Madame Speaker,
Madame Deputy Speaker,
Chief Justice,
Leaders of all political parties represented in this National Assembly,
 
I congratulate you Speaker and Deputy Speaker for your election.  
 
I am humbled and honoured that members of this National Assembly have through their votes tonight decided to elect me as President of the Republic of South Africa.  
 
It is with pleasure that I accept. It will once again be a privilege to serve this great nation in the position of President. This is a big responsibility.  
 
I wish to thank all leaders for your congratulatory messages. Your messages are a clear clarion call to work together. Your messages constitute a well of encouragement, good advice and wisdom. I will spend time reading your messages and drawing insights from them. I do believe that there is much I will learn from what you said. 
 
I would like to thank the Members of this august House who have voted for me and who through their vote have invested and placed their trust in me. I intend to work with all members and even those who did not find their way clear to vote for me. 
 
We are all South Africans and I will serve all and work with all.  
 
The significance of the votes for the Office Bearers – the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker and President – is not in the result you have delivered but in the historic meaning of this vote and moment.  
 
That several parties that had opposed each other but that represent most South African voters have decided to work together to deliver this result has given birth to a new era for our country. 
 
I sincerely believe that this is an era of hope and inclusivity. As diverse political parties, we competed against each other in the election we have just had.  
 
The election was highly contested and, at times, divisive. 
 
When I spoke at the IEC Results Announcement ceremony, I said: “The results of the election have made plain that the people of South Africa expect their leaders to work together to meet their needs. They expect the parties for which they have voted to find common ground, to overcome their differences, to act and work together for the good of everyone.”  
 
The stark reality of the results of our past election is that no single party represented in this house achieved an outright majority to work alone legislatively or at the executive level. 
 
Through their votes our people expect all parties to work together within the framework of our constitution and work together as political parties to achieve the objectives of a democratic society based on non-racialism, non-sexism and justice and to ensure stability and peace. Our focus must therefore be to tackle the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality and promote prosperity for all. 
 
It is in this context that we, as political parties that participated in the 2024 Elections and received the seats we now occupy, need to pledge to cooperate to work together in two ways through a voluntary Parliament of National Unity and a voluntary Government of National Unity.  
 
Honourable Members,
 
This is a historic juncture in the life of our country, which requires that we must work and act together to entrench our Constitutional democracy and the rule of law, with a clear intent to build a South Africa for all its people.  
 
It is with this in mind that I hereby declare that I accept the mission you are giving me. To work with you all to serve the people of South Africa.  
 
I would like to thank the Chief Justice for steering these proceedings of the first sitting with great ability, patience and excellent leadership.  
 
I thank you all, Honourable Members of this house, for the decorum demonstrated here today. 
 
I have listened carefully to the promises made here about the decorum that will underpin how this house will function in this 7th Parliament. I wish you all a good night’s rest following a hard day's work of giving effect to the will of our people.  
 
I thank you.
 

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Sunday, 16 June 2024, address the 48th anniversary of the Youth Day Commemoration at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo Province, under the theme: “Actively embracing the socio-economic gains of our democracy”.  

The National Youth Day commemoration is an annual event that recollects the sacrifices of South Africa’s youth in the fight for democracy, an event immortalised by the Soweto Uprising of the 16th of June 1976.  This important national day provides an opportunity, for our country, to commemorate and honour the bravery of young people and to champion youth development in South Africa.

As the country marks and celebrates the 30 Years of Freedom, as well as the recent successful national and provincial elections held, which pave a way for the 7th Administration, Deputy President Mashatile will highlight on progress made in improving the lives of young people and also reflect on the remaining challenges which require immediate attention.    

Government working together with all relevant stakeholders, will continue, to promote initiatives aimed at improving the physical and mental well-being of young peoples; address the challenge of substance abuse, crime, and gender-based violence; promote academic excellence and economic participation as well as improve efforts to strengthen solidarity and social cohesion amongst the youth.  

The commemoration will in this regard, include an expo which will showcase opportunities relating to skills training, learnerships, bursaries, careers and entrepreneurship, and it will be marked by a wide range of activities, commencing with a marathon in the morning, bringing together young people together with various sporting personalities and government representatives, followed by a cultural programme which will include a music concert, cultural dances, and poetry.

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Acting Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Ms. Maropene; Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Mr. Ronald Lamola; Premier- elect of the Limpopo Province, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba and NYDA Chairperson, Ms. Asanda Luwaca, Local and District Mayors, as well as a delegation of senior government officials.

Details of the commemorative event are as follows:
Date: Sunday, 16 June 2024
Time: 09h00 
Venue: Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo Province

For more information please contact, Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has in terms of Section 79(1) of the Constitution assented and signed three Bills into law. 

The three Bills are The National Land Transport Amendment Bill, the Economic Regulation of Transport Bill and the Municipal Fiscal Powers and Functions Amendment Bill. 

The National Land Transport Amendment Bill, 2016, was initially passed by Parliament and sent to the President for assent in 2020. Due to constitutional reservations, the President , referred the Bill back to the National Assembly for reconsideration in terms of section  79(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.. The revised Bill amongst other seeks to amend the National Land Transport Act, 2009, to insert certain definitions and amend others and provide for non-motorised and accessible transport. The amendments  bring the Principal Act up to date with  new developments and provide for certain powers of provinces and municipalities to conclude contracts for public transport services. It further expands the powers of the Minister to make regulations and introduce safety measures.

The second Bill is the Economic Regulation of Transport Bill. The Bill seeks to promote economic growth and welfare of South Africans by promoting an effective and productive transport sector. That includes establishing a Transport Economic Regulator responsible for regulating prices in the transport sector, investigate complaints, monitor and enforce compliance in the transport sector. The Bill  further seeks to establish a single regulatory body to focus on the economic regulation of the transport industry. 

Lastly is the Municipal Fiscal Powers and Functions Amendment Bill which was also signed into law. This Bill seeks to regulate the power of municipalities to levy development charges. It also establishes a system for the municipalities to impose levies for land development applications as a condition for granting or approval of such an application for persons to use or develop land in a municipality. The Bill empowers municipalities, where authorised by national legislation, to impose taxes, levies and duties appropriate to local government.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

On behalf of the government and people of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the government and people of the Republic of Malawi on the passing of Vice-President Dr Saulos Chilima and nine passengers in an aircraft crash.

Vice-President Chilima passed away after an aircraft in which he and nine personnel were travelling disappeared on Monday, 10 June 2024, during a domestic flight.

President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to Vice-President Chilima’s family.
President Ramaphosa’s thoughts are also with His Excellency President Lazarus Chakwera and the Cabinet of the Republic of Malawi.

President Ramaphosa said: “This is a moment of tragedy in which we are united with the people of Malawi as you mourn the passing of a youthful leader who advanced the aspirations of his country and of our youthful continent from his position in Malawi’s Presidency.

“This is a loss felt across our country and region and we pray that the people of Malawi will be blessed with the fortitude and peace required in this moment of deep sadness and national mourning.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday, 5 June 2024, received a letter of resignation from Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa.
 
President Ramaphosa accepted Minister Kodwa’s resignation and thanked Mr Kodwa for his service to the nation in his capacity as Deputy Minister of State Security from 2019 to 2023 and Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture from March 2023.
 
President Ramaphosa has appointed Minister Maropene Ramokgopa to act as Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture until a permanent appointment is made under the new 7th administration.
 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will later today, Friday, 07 June 2024, visit Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape to assess the response by Government departments and entities as well as civil society groupings to floods that have resulted in the loss of life and destruction of public infrastructure and private property.

Severe weather conditions have impacted on the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and Free State in recent days, with loss of life, disappearance of residents and loss of public infrastructure and private property reported extensively.

Members of the media covering the visit are advised of the below programme:

Venue: Lapland

11h30: Members of the media to converge at a land site in Lapland, that is designated for the relocation of residents at risk of a Dam’s possible burst.

12h00: Arrival of President Ramaphosa and entourage and is conducted on a guided tour or the area

Venue: Xaba

12h25: Members of the media depart for the first flood affected site in Kariega, West Hill to await the arrival of President Ramaphosa and entourage

12h35: Arrival of President Ramaphosa and entourage to the first flood affected area in Kariega and is conducted on a guided tour and interact with affected members of the community

Venue: Lower Central, next to Jubilee Hotel

12h45: Members of the media advance to the second flood affected site to await the arrival of President Ramaphosa and entourage

12h50: Arrival of the President Ramaphosa and entourage and is conducted on a guided tour of the area and interact with affected community members

Venue: Taylor Street, Lower Central

13h00: Members of the media advance to the third flood affected site to await the arrival of President Ramaphosa and entourage

13h05: Arrival of President Ramaphosa and entourage and is conducted on a guided tour of the area and interact with affected community members

Venue: Kariega Fire Station

13h15: Members of the media advance to the flood affected Kariega Fire Station to await the arrival of the President and entourage

13h20: Arrival of President Ramaphosa and entourage 

Venue: Matanzima Road, collapsed bridge site

13h30: Members of the media advance to the flood affected Matanzima Road, collapsed bridge site to await the arrival of the President and entourage    

14h00: Arrival of President Ramaphosa and entourage to the flood affected Matanzima Road, collapsed bridge site and is conducted on a guided tour of the site.

14h30: President Ramaphosa interacts with members of the media on conclusion of the guided tour of the flood affected Matanzima Road, collapsed bridge

For media logistical arrangements, members of the media wishing to cover the visit may contact the following Media Liaison Officers: Terrence Manase on 082 338 6707 or Yonela Dekeda 083 378 0968

NB: the programme may be adjusted during the course of the day. Kindly be in contact with the above Media Liaison Officers at all times.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa, has offered his congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his re-election as Prime Minister of the Republic of India, commending him for his dedication and commitment to the people of India.

President Ramaphosa has also congratulated the people of India on exercising their democratic right and participating in the electoral process, which took place in seven phases from 19 April to 1 June 2024.

South Africa and India share a Strategic Partnership.

President Ramaphosa affirms that South Africa looks forward to continue working with India on matters of importance to the people of both countries.

President Ramaphosa has emphasised the importance of the two countries’ continued cooperation to promote the agenda of the Global South, notably the reform of the global system of governance, and to align positions in global fora in the interest of strengthening multilateral organisations.

South Africa continues to work well with India in the G20 and BRICS.

Media inquiries: Vincent Magwenya - media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will visit Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape tomorrow, Friday, 7 June 2024, to assess the response by government departments and entities as well as civil society groupings to floods that have resulted in the loss of life and destruction of public infrastructure and private property.

Severe weather conditions have impacted on the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and Free State in recent days, with loss of life, disappearance of resident and loss of public infrastructure and private property reported extensively.

Officials of the National Disaster Management Centre have been deployed to the affected areas and national, provincial and local departments and agencies - including the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the Department of Home Affairs, The National Department of Transport, the Department of Basic Education, the Department of Human Settlements and the South African Social Security Agency – are attending to challenges faced by communities.

More departments and entities will join this efforts as needs are identified.

Government is working alongside non-governmental organisations and humanitarian agencies such as the South African Red Cross Society, Gift of the Givers and others to bring relief.

President Ramaphosa said: “Even though we know winter can be harsh, we are nonetheless saddened when we lose loved ones and face devastation on the scale we have seen in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

“At this difficult time, national and provincial authorities as well as civic organisations are working tirelessly to assist the affected communities with much-needed, immediate psychosocial support and humanitarian relief.

“This relief is the first step on the demanding journey of rebuilding lives, homes, businesses and public infrastructure after events of this nature.

“Government will do its best to ensure that the recovery process meets the needs of residents and enables a renewal of the affected areas.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to families in the Eastern Cape who have lost loved ones to floods that have affected Nelson Mandela Bay, Buffalo City, Kariega and other parts of the province.

The President’s thoughts are also with the families of residents who have been reported missing.

President Ramaphosa said: “The loss of life, destruction of public infrastructure and the loss of personal property brought about by the forces of nature saddens all of us as South Africans.

“The aftermath of these occurrences is best overcome when we work together in the way we are seeing in the Eastern Cape.”

President Ramaphosa commends the way in which authorities, communities, non-governmental organisations and individuals are dealing with rescue and recovery efforts, including the rehousing of a significant number of families who have been displaced.

Given the potential impacts of the winter season on various parts of the country, President Ramaphosa urges the public to keep safe by heeding weather alerts and exercising greater care and restraint on the roads in poor weather conditions.

The President also calls on citizens to reach out to vulnerable members of their families and communities, to make this season as comfortable and safe as possible for people who have limited resources or live on their own. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director,
Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Mrs Mashatile,
Chief Justice Raymond Zondo,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission, Mr Mosotho Moepya,
Commissioners of the IEC,
Chief Electoral Officer, Mr Sy Mamabolo,
Leadership of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders,
Leaders and representatives of political parties,
Members of observer missions,
Members of the diplomatic corps,
Religious leaders,
Representatives of civil society,
Members of the media,
Fellow South Africans, 

The final announcement of the 2024 National and Provincial election results today represents a victory for our democracy, for our constitutional order and for all the people of South Africa.

We have held another successful election that has been free, fair and peaceful.

The Independent Electoral Commission has, despite many challenges, once more acquitted itself with excellence, professionalism and integrity.

Millions of South Africans have cast their votes in cities and towns, in villages and on farms, at voting stations at home and abroad.

South Africans care about their country. 

South Africans have demonstrated that they want to be part of making this country a better place. 

South Africans have shown how important their vote is and that they know that their vote counts.

By going to vote, the people of South Africa have taken responsibility not only for the future of themselves and their families, but for the future of their country.

Through their votes they have demonstrated, clearly and plainly, that our democracy is strong, it is robust and it endures. 

They have given effect to the clarion call that has resonated across the generations, that the people shall govern.

Our people have spoken.

As the leaders of political parties, as all those who occupy positions of responsibility in society, we have heard the voices of our people and we must respect their wishes.

Over the past 30 years, we have strived together to build a country which everyone – black and white, man and women, young and old – can call home.

This election has reaffirmed building a South Africa for all remains the defining mission of our nation. 

Over the course of the election campaign, parties and candidates have at times differed, often forcefully. 

They have expressed a wide variety of views that are often at odds with each other.

This is a welcome and necessary feature of a robust democracy.

Yet, throughout the election campaign, parties and candidates have held fast to the fundamental principles of democracy.

Parties and candidates have affirmed the right of voters to participate in an election that is free, fair and peaceful.

And now, we are all called upon to recognise that the results of the election reflect the will of the people. 

What this election has made plain is that the people of South Africa expect their leaders to work together to meet their needs.

They expect the parties for which they have voted to find common ground, to overcome their differences, to act and work together for the good of everyone. 

Our people expect all parties to work together within the framework of our constitution and address whatever challenges we encounter peacefully and in accordance with the prescripts of our constitution and the rule of law.

Each party emerges from this election with a mandate based on the commitments they each made to the electorate.

However, all the parties share an over-arching mandate, to work in partnership with each other and with society more broadly, to build a country that is inclusive, united and prosperous.

As we take up our seats in Parliament and in the provincial legislatures let us appreciate that the seats we occupy do not belong to us. They belong to the people.

Whatever authority, whatever power, we are entrusted with must be exercised to advance the interests of the people.

As the 2024 election reaches its conclusion, we thank the staff and leadership of the Independent Electoral Commission, who have worked tirelessly to ensure the success of these elections, often under difficult conditions.

We pay tribute to the men and women of the South African Police Service and the South African National Defence Force for ensuring peace and stability during voting, and to the Home Affairs staff who ensured that as many voters as possible had their identity documents on election day. 

Thank you to the independent candidates and leaders and members of the various political parties that participated in the elections.  

I wish to thank all the local and international observer teams, who gave their time and effort to ensure a free and fair election. 

I also thank the journalists, researchers, camera persons, producers, analysts and other members of the media, who played such an essential role in ensuring that the South African people were well informed as they went to vote. 

Above all, we thank the people of South Africa for once again giving life and meaning to the values and principles of our constitutional democracy.

This is the time for all of us to put South Africa first. 

The people of this country expect and deserve no less.

God Bless South Africa and protect her people.
Nkosi Sikelela iAfrika
Morena Boloka sechabe sa Heso
Hosi katekisa Afrika Dzonga
God seen Suid Afrika
Mudzimu vha fhatutshedze Afurika Tshipembe.

I thank you.