Pretoria - The Presidency has noted media reports regarding the involvement of Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa with the International Crisis   Group which is doing work in Lesotho, Sri Lanka and South Sudan. 

Deputy President Ramaphosa was previously involved with the organisation before he was appointed in government. Since his assumption of a   role in government, Deputy President Ramaphosa resigned from the International Crises Group and was replaced in his role by Ms. Cheryl   Carolus. Accordingly, Deputy President Ramaphosa is no longer involved with the organisation.

Deputy President Ramaphosa is currently the Special Envoy of President Jacob Zuma to assist the people of Sri Lanka with regard the truth and reconciliation as well as constitution-making process.

The Presidency further wishes to clarify that Deputy President Ramaphosa did not visit Sri Lanka over the weekend as alleged in the media reports but merely refuelled in Colombo en route to Japan

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Pretoria - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed Japan’s commitment to support South Africa’s developmental trajectory. Deputy President Ramaphosa was speaking in Tokyo at the conclusion of his official visit to Japan on Tuesday 25 August 2015 where he led a high-level government and business delegation to promote strategic political and economic relations between the two nations.

‘’We found the Japanese people very receptive. We had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Japan, we spent an extensive amount of time with   him and he demonstrated that he is very supportive of our developmental trajectory. We spent time with the Deputy Prime Minister, he articulated the same’’ said Deputy President Ramaphosa.

‘’We see Japan as a friend, as a country that does not only invest, but a country that also supports development. They are making great strides in supporting the continent when it comes to skills development. They have invited or called for a number of young people around the continent to come and be trained here in Japan. We will be sending forty nine (49).

‘’Whist I was here I saw six of them who are being trained in master’s degrees in engineering, logistics, marine technology and a whole number of other high flying type of technologies.  When we met these young people we saw the future of our country, we saw young people who are acquiring great skills who are ready to come back to make a contribution to our country, ’’ continued Deputy President Ramaphosa.

‘’We also asked them to help us to extend the training of artisans that we should have as many artisans trained as possible. We told them that the welders who helped us in Medupi power station … and we said we don’t see any reason why we don’t have specialized welders ourselves.

‘’They are positively inclined to that, they are going to look at our proposal where we can send high level artisans who are willing to be trained to come and be trained in Japanese companies and go back home. Technical people, mechanics as well as artisans we believe that through this visit we will have been able to open opportunities for many of our young people who can come to be trained here in Japan”, said Deputy President Ramaphosa

‘’The South African government on these types of visits seeks to make sure that we grow the economy of our country, we enhance investment, we push the skills development button and get as many of our young people to come to be trained in the countries that we visit because it is important to draw skills, as many skills as we possibly can. So we want to flood some of these countries with young people who can come and learn and go back home”, continued the Deputy President.

‘’ We spent time with the business community here in Japan but also with our own business community. Our business people had come from home and we believe many of them started discussions and negations on possible deals that they could be doing. It is pleasing to see our business people making contact and moving to contract and we think a number of them were able to do so, explained Deputy President Ramaphosa

‘’We also used this opportunity to promote trade. There are many other areas that we want to start trading with the Japanese on. More agricultural products, they are also going to give us skills with agro processing so it’s been hugely successful and we are all very happy with the way that the visit went’’

‘’So the ocean economy is one of those we discussed with them. They are well vest in ship building, marine transport, fisheries, aquaculture so we raised all these with them and said we want them to assist us to get into this and also to come and invest in those areas.

‘’We said we want to industrialize our economy even further. We want to create black industrialists and we gave them a history why we have got to create and develop black industrialists. We said when they come to South Africa they should seek out partners that they can work with but at the same time we want to grow our own, who will play a critical role in the economy of our country. They responded very positively to that’’, concluded Deputy President Ramaphosa.

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa at 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Johannesburg - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Friday, 28 August 2015, attend and speak at the Men’s Round Table Dialogue due to take place at the Constitution Hill in Johannesburg.

The Men’s Round Table Dialogue is a culmination of partnership between government, donors and civil society, which for the past few years has been phenomenal in mobilizing men to improve the health and wellbeing of their families and communities.

The event will be hosted by the Men’s Sector of the South African National Aids Council (SANAC) in partnership with a consortium of organisations working with men and boys.

Some of the objectives of this dialogue entail:

•  institutionalization of men’s organisations working in the field of health and

social development

•  the introduction of the South African Men’s Charter, and 

•  launching the Men’s Health Screening campaign and the 365 Days of Activism Programme of Action

Media is invited as follows:

Time:   07h00-13h00

Venue:   Women’s Jail, Constitution Hill, Johannesburg

Date:   28 August 2015

Programme:

07h30: Arrival of the Deputy President

08h15: South African National Anthem 

08h20: Welcome Remarks & Background to the Men’s Dialogue by Rev. Bafana Khumalo (SANAC Men’s Sector Chairperson)

08h30: Remarks and Introduction of the Deputy President by Ms. Steve Letsike (SANAC Deputy Chairperson)

08h35: Remarks by the Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa (SANAC Chairperson)

08h50: Discussions  

09h30: Tea Break

Second Session: Men’s Dialogue and Panel Discussion

09h55: National Men’s Civil Society Progress Report by Mr. Tshiamo Moela (SANAC Men’s Sector Deputy Chair)

10h15: Entertainment

10h30: Discussions

11h45: Unveiling of South African Men of the Year Awards by Minister Bathabile Dlamini (Minister of Social Development)

12h00: Launch of the Men’s Sector HCT Campaign by Deputy Minister of Health Dr Joe Phaahla

12h15: Message of Support  by Prof. Sheila Tlou (UNAIDS Regional Director)

12h20: Message of Support by Ms. Mashudu Mfomande (SANAC Women’s Sector Chairperson)

12h25: Remarks by the Minister in The Presidency Responsible for Women Ms Susan Shabangu

12h40: Introduction of the South African Men’s Charter by Mr. Bruce Malgas (Gauteng Men’s Federation)

12h50: Closing Remarks by Rev. Mbulelo Dyasi (SANAC Men’s Sector General Secretary)

13h00: Closure and Lunch

For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa: 082 990 4853                    

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will provide an update to Parliament on government’s efforts to improve the efficiency of key state-owned   enterprises such as South African Airways, Eskom and the South African Post Office. This will be during the sitting of the National Council of   Provinces in Cape Town, tomorrow Wednesday, 2 September 2015.

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa was assigned by Cabinet in December 2014 to develop turnaround strategies for state-owned enterprises   to enable these enterprises to play a meaningful role in contributing towards South Africa’s growth and development.

The Deputy President has also been asked to brief members of the NCOP on his recent visit to Lesotho to hand over his SADC Facilitation Mission Report and to discuss the terms of reference for the SADC-led Commission of Inquiry with His Majesty King Letsie III, the government of Lesotho, opposition political parties and other stakeholders.

Included in the session will be a briefing by Deputy President Ramaphosa on government efforts to improve the living conditions of farm workers and dwellers, especially, in the Western Cape.

During consultations with farm workers and stakeholders in the Western Cape’s agricultural sector in November 2014, Deputy President Ramaphosa called on social partners to maintain dialogue on issues facing farm workers and to move towards a social compact in the sector that will address such issues as security of tenure, evictions and social ills affecting farming communities.

He expressed the hope that such a compact would bring lasting peace and benefits to all stakeholders in the sector.

Among other responses in the NCOP, Deputy President Ramaphosa will address the question of the importance of gender parity for voters and candidates in the 2016 local government elections. In this context, the Deputy President is expected to outline what South Africa is doing to meet gender parity targets in political decision making processes in line with the SADC Gender Protocol.

Issued by: Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

The Presidency

Pretoria

Cape Town – Notable progress has been made in implementing the turnaround of Eskom, SAA and the South African Post Office, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa said while answering questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) today, Wednesday, 2 September 2015.

With regards to Eskom, the Deputy President said that “valuable work has been done to stabilise Eskom and improve its financial position. Governance and leadership challenges are being addressed”.

“With the support of the War Room located in the Presidency, progress has been made in the implementation of government’s five-point plan to address the country’s electricity supply constraints.  An important milestone was the recent opening by President Jacob Zuma of the first unit at the Medupi power station, which adds over 600 megawatts to the national grid”, further said Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa.

With regards to the South African Airways (SAA), the Deputy President said that “as a result of a focused effort by the board and management and National Treasury as the executive authority, the ‘going concern’ status of SAA has been restored. Operating costs are consistently being reduced and operational efficiency is improving”.

The Deputy President further said that “the 90-day action plan has been successfully implemented.  A long-term turnaround strategy has been developed and is being implemented”.

On the South African Post Office the Deputy President said that “a strategic turnaround plan for the South African Post Office is being considered by Cabinet.  A thorough diagnostic review of the challenges at the Post Office was undertaken and a business model more suited to the changing postal services environment has been developed”.

“A new Post Office board has been appointed.  The board is comprised of people with the requisite skills and experience to implement the turnaround strategy”, said Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The Deputy President also indicated that a broader transformation process of the state-owned enterprise sector is being undertaken while addressing the challenges of the three entities.

“This is being coordinated by an inter-ministerial committee charged with implementation of the recommendations of the Presidential Review Committee on State-Owned Entities. We are certain that if the strategies that have been developed are pursued with focus and determination, they will achieve the desired results”, concluded the Deputy President.

Enquiries:  Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the eulogy at the Special Official Funeral of the late former Constitutional Court Judge, Justice Thembile Skweyiya, who passed away on Tuesday, 01 September 2015.

The late Judge Skweyiya was a leader in the development of the country's jurisprudence and a renowned human rights lawyer and activist at   the height of apartheid repression in the 1980s.

The details of the funeral are as follows:

Date: Saturday, 05 September 2015

Time: 10h00

Venue: Durban City Hall, Durban

Enquiries: Bongani Majola on 082 339 1993 or bonganim@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as Acting President of the Republic of South Africa, has declared a Special Official Funeral for the former Constitutional Court Judge and Inspector of Correctional Services, the late Justice Thembile Lewis Skweyiya, who passed away   on Tuesday, 01 September 2015.

This category of a funeral is designated by the President of the Republic of South Africa for distinguished persons.

Judge Skweyiya was a leader in the development of the country's jurisprudence and a renowned human rights lawyer and activist during the height of apartheid repression in the 1980s.

The Acting President has ordered that all National Flags at all flag stations in the country be flown at half-mast from today, 03 September 2015 until the day of the funeral.

The details of the funeral will be communicated in due course.

Enquiries: Bongani Majola on 082 339 1993 or bonganim@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as Acting President of the Republic, has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the family, the Premier and Government of the Northern Cape on the sad passing of the MEC of Education in the province, Ms Grizelda “Zaza” Cjiekella- Lecholo who passed away on Friday, 28 August 2015.

Ms Cjiekella- Lecholo will be accorded a Provincial Official Funeral category one, which is accorded to, amongst others, Speakers of the Legislature and Members of the Executive Council (MECs) in accordance to State, Official and Provincial Official Funeral Policy.

The Acting President has ordered that National Flags at all flag stations in the province be flown at half-mast from the 4th September to the evening of the 5th September 2015.

The provincial government will communicate the details of the funeral.

Enquiries: Bongani Majola on 082 339 1993 or bonganim@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Deputy President Ramaphosa will deliver an opening address at the XIV World Forestry Congress tomorrow, 07 September 2015 at the iNkosi   Albert Luthuli Convention Centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, at 16h00.

The XIV World Forestry Congress is a platform for governments, the private sector, foresters, academics and the civil society to exchange views   and innovations impacting on the broader forestry sector.

The Congress is an event of the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the theme for this year is “Forestry and People: investing in Sustainable future”.

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Cape Town- Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will brief Parliament tomorrow, Wednesday 9 September 2015 on progress made by the   government towards the achievement of objectives of the National Development Plan. The briefing will take place within the context of   responding to several questions from members of Parliament during the sitting of the National Assembly.

The National Development Plan remains at the centre of government efforts and an overarching programme to eliminate poverty, unemployment   and reduce inequality in South Africa by 2030. The NDP has received endorsement from South Africans across the political spectrum.

During the same sitting of the National Assembly, Deputy President Ramaphosa will outline how South Africa’s international relations strategy has been effective in promoting peaceful resolution of conflict while advancing the national interest including the objectives of the African Agenda.

Since the advent of democracy, South Africa has been involved in conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction and development initiatives including the DRC, Burundi, Lesotho, South Sudan and Zimbabwe. Over the past year South Africa has also been asked to share its experience in the truth and reconciliation and constitutional development processes with the people of Sri Lanka.

Equally, Deputy President Ramaphosa will provide a progress report regarding his recent visits to the Peoples Republic of China and Japan aimed at exploring new and innovative means of growing South Africa’s economy.

In this regard, Deputy President Ramaphosa visited the Peoples Republic of China with a view to studying the Chinese model of state-owned enterprises and how South Africa can utilise this model to address challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.

Similarly, Deputy President Ramaphosa visited Japan to reassure Japanese investors that South Africa is indeed open for business while encouraging foreign direct investment into South Africa. During the visit, Deputy President Ramaphosa briefed Japanese investors regarding South Africa’s macro-economic stability, vibrancy and conducive business environment for Japanese business to invest in the country with a focus in those ventures can create jobs for our people.

The Deputy President will also outline to parliament what best practice models the government is putting into place in the public service to respond to challenges identified by the Public Protector with regard to some government departments and state-owned enterprises.

Issued by: Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

The Presidency

Pretoria