Mntwan' omkhulu Inkosi yeSizwe sakaMpumuza, Nondaba! Mancinza!;
Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane; 
Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, HRH Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe;  
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlement, Mr Siboniso Duma; 
Executive Mayor of uMgungundlovu District Municipality, Cllr Mzi Zuma;
Mayor of uMsunduzi Local Municipality, Cllr Mzumkhulu Thebolla;
Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency, Ms Asanda Luwaca; 
Deputy Chairperson of the Human Resource Development Council, Dr Thembi Xaba; 
Chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Kgosi TM Seathlolo; 
Deputy Chairperson of the Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Inkosi NSW Sithole; 
Amakhosi, as well as Councillors, Educators and Senior Government Officials,
The community of Kwa-Mpumuza,
And our guests of Honour, The Matric Class of 2024

Sanibonani, Good Morning!

I would like to start by first thanking Inkosi Zondi and his Traditional Council for allowing me and the government to come and support this great initiative that he has started to uplift and encourage the community. Inistets to join him on this annual Kwa-Mpumuza.

Lomsebenzi muhle siyabonga, kanti futhi siyamncoma kakhulu. We also agreed to join you Inkosi Zondi, because this what we believe Amakhosi should do for their people and as Government we will continue to support programmes where we can all work together to benefit the people. 

Let me also acknowledge the achievers of the Matric Class of 2024, especially those who have earned Bachelor’s passes. We are enormously proud of all your hard work, and we know that this success came at a price and lots of sacrifice from you.

I wish to also applaud this Province for being the second-highest performing province with an 89.5% pass rate in the whole country. Imisebenizi yenu mihle, futhi iyabonakala!

I would like to also acknowledge the presence of the Matric Class of 2025, the 329 primary school learners receiving uniforms, and top-achieving schools, teachers, and learners from 11 schools in the Kwa-Mpumuza area.

Today is about honouring and celebrating our children and the efforts that they have made to achieve great academic success.

It is because of your hard work and resilience that you have won this race. 

Having a matric higher certificate means that you have gone through many obstacles since primary school and have worked hard to make the most of your future. You really are a great source of pride for your families, schools, and the entire Mpumuza community. Siyaziqhenya ngani!

I am pleased to announce today that government will make 50 bursaries available to deserving students accepted into public institutions of higher learning, including TVET Colleges. These will be made available through the National Skills Fund in collaboration with National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). This initiative is supported by the National Skills Fund through the Department, and aims to bridge the gap in access to education, particularly for the top students we are celebrating today.

To all the educators and parents, whose guidance and encouragement made these successes possible, thank you. Your determination and sacrifice are not taken for granted, may you one day, through these children enjoy the fruits of your labour. 

To those of you who are going to university, remember that you are now in charge of your own life! 

As you go to higher education, you will meet many people from different backgrounds, some may intimidate you, always remember that what matters most is not how you start, but how you finish.

Do your best in university to secure a brighter and prosperous future. A university degree or qualification is a treasure that no one can take away from you, and it is a key to many closed doors!

I encourage you today to dream big dreams! Do not be discouraged by your background, and the challenges that you have gone through. You deserve the best that life has to offer and as a Government, we are determined to support you to make your dreams possible. 

To the Matric Class of 2025 we are looking to you to maintain and increase the standard! Let me give you four (4) tips for this journey:

1. Focus on your studies and do not allow yourselves to fall into peer pressure. Time management and discipline is key!
2. Focus on mental and spiritual health because this balance will help you to maintain emotional stability and resilience. Keep social connection with loved ones, exercise and pray.
3. Block out negativity, ignore discouraging voices from peers or neighbours; stay focused on your goals.
4. Avoid distractions, those who aim high often avoid the 'cool crowd', choose your company wisely.

I urge all of you to stay away from alcohol, drugs, and other harmful behaviours including violence of any form, early entry into sexual behaviours leading to teenage pregnancy and STDs. 

As a country we rely on you to build a better tomorrow. Stay disciplined and say no to bad influences!

To those of you who may be facing challenges, know that you are not alone, and that help is available. 

Depression and other mental health illnesses are real, do not bottle things up, talk to your teachers, RCLs, councillors, church, and other community leaders, you do not have to suffer alone!

As the Government, we are committed to supporting the development of the youth, because these are the future leaders of South Africa.

To all the parents here today, I want to assure you that the Government of South Africa is committed to supporting and protecting your children as they take their next steps in life. Whether they are advancing to university, preparing for matric, or entering the workforce, their well-being and safety are a top priority.

As I close, I also want to speak directly to the parents whose children may not have passed this time. Please know that this is not the end of their journey. Every setback is a setup for a stronger comeback. Your love and encouragement can make all the difference in helping them find their way forward.

To all of us here, let us be especially kind and compassionate to those children and families who are struggling. A kind word, a helping hand, and an understanding heart can help lift them during this time. Together, as a community, we can ensure that every child finds the strength to try again and achieve remarkable things.

To all leaders present, let us leave here today united in our commitment to the success of every child in KwaMpumuza and beyond. Whether they pass or not, every learner is part of our shared future, and they all deserve our love, guidance, and unwavering belief in their potential.

Remember, knowledge is power, and the decisions you make today will shape the course of your future.

As our former State President Nelson Mandela, once said, "Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world." Let this occasion inspire you to take bold steps toward achieving your dreams. Your potential is limitless, and your contribution to society is invaluable. Embrace the opportunities before you and commit to your goals so you can transform your lives, families, communities, and the entire country.

May God bless you and your families. Let us continue to walk together in faith, hope, and kindness as we build a brighter future for our communities and our nation. 

Ngiyabonga!

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Expropriation Bill which repeals the pre-democratic Expropriation Act of 1975 and sets out how organs of State may expropriate land in the public interest for varied reasons.

The Bill, which has undergone a five-year process of public consultation and parliamentary deliberation, aligns legislation on expropriation with the Constitution.

Section 25 of the Constitution recognises expropriation as an essential mechanism for the state to acquire someone’s property for a public purpose or in the public interest, subject to just and equitable compensation being paid.

Up to now, expropriation of property has been governed in terms of the Expropriation Act of 1975, which predates the expropriation mechanism provided for in section 25(2) of the Constitution.

The Bill assented to by President Ramaphosa outlines how expropriation can be done and on what basis. This law will assist all organs of State - local, provincial and national authorities - to expropriate land in the public interest for varied reasons.

Local, provincial and national authorities will use this legislation to expropriate land in the public interest for varied reasons that seek, among others, to promote inclusivity and access to natural resources.

The Bill repeals the Expropriation Act and to provide a common framework in line with the Constitution to guide the processes and procedures for expropriation of property by organs of state.

In terms of this law, an expropriating authority may not expropriate property arbitrarily or for a purpose other than a public purpose or in the public interest.

Expropriation may not be exercised unless the expropriating authority has without success attempted to reach an agreement with the owner or holder of a right in property for the acquisition thereof on reasonable terms.

An expropriating authority is therefore obliged to enter into negotiations with the owner of a property required for such purposes.

An expropriating authority must also attempt to reach an agreement on the acquisition of the property before resorting to expropriation - except in circumstances where the right to use property temporarily is taken on an urgent basis in terms of a provision in the legislation

The law provides for disputes to be referred for mediation or to appropriate courts.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

At the invitation of Inkosi K S Zondi of the Mpumuza Traditional Council, Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Friday, 24 January 2025, attend and deliver a keynote address at the KwaMpumuza 4th Annual Matric Excellence Awards ceremony at Sweetwaters, uMgungundlovu District, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.

On its fourth year in 2025, the awards ceremony recognises the academic achievements of top Matriculants in 2024 in 16 schools across the Mpumuza Traditional Authority. Over the years, this has served as motivation for future matriculants to strive for excellence as they pursue their studies further at tertiary institutions. 

The ceremony will also recognise the efforts of teachers and parents in nurturing and supporting learners throughout their school journeys.

The Deputy President will be supported by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane; Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, HRH Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe; KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlement, Mr Siboniso Duma; Executive Mayor of uMgungundlovu District Municipality, Cllr Mzi Zuma; Mayor of uMsunduzi Local Municipality, Cllr Mzumkhulu Thebolla; Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Ms Asanda Luwaca; Deputy Chairperson of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), Dr Thembi Xaba; Chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL), Kgosi TM Seathlolo; Deputy Chairperson of the Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Inkosi NSW Sithole; Amakhosi (Members of the Local House of Traditional Leaders); as well as councillors, educators and senior Government officials.

Details of the awards ceremony are as follows:

Date: Friday, 24 January 2025
Time: 10h00 (media to arrive at 09h00)
Venue: Blackburn Sports Ground, Sweetwaters, uMgungundlovu District, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal

Media wishing to cover must please send their names and details to Ms Slindile Khuzwayo (Mpumuza Traditional Council) on 082 728 1299 or Bongani Majola (The Presidency) on 082 339 1993.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has this morning, 21 January 2025, arrived in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland where he will lead the South African delegation during the 55th World Economic Forum (WEF).

The annual meeting is taking place from 20-24 January 2025 under the theme; “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age”.

The meeting will convene global leaders to address key global and regional challenges, which include responding to geopolitical shocks, stimulating growth to improve living standards, and stewarding a just and inclusive energy transition.

President Ramaphosa supported by his delegation will commence his programme this afternoon by holding a bilateral meeting with Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the World Economic Forum, Mr Klaus Schwab.

During the G20 Presidency, South Africa will endeavour to create equitable opportunities for all by addressing systemic disparities and promoting unity and mutual support to address shared global challenges collaboratively.

In this regard, President Ramaphosa will this afternoon deliver a Special Address to the World Economic Forum, where he will present the economic priorities of South Africa’s Government of National Unity and advance the country’s G20 Presidency which is themed "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”.

The Special Address will take place at 15h50 (CEST) and live streamed on wef.ch/wef25 and PresidencyZA Social media platforms.

The President will during the course of the week undertake numerous bilateral meetings with Heads of State and Government and Heads of International Organisations, and will participate in diverse activities in different sectors of the WEF annual meeting.

The President will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Mr Ronald Lamola; Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Mr Parks Tau; Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa; Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Blade Nzimande; Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Mr Solly Malatsi; Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Environment Mr Dion George; Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and Minister of Agriculture Mr John Steenhuisen.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead the South African delegation to the 55th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting that will take place from 20 to 24 January 2025 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.

The meeting, convened under the theme “Collaboration in the Intelligent Age”, will foster new partnerships and insights to shape a more sustainable, inclusive future in an era of rapidly advancing technology.

WEF convenes global leaders to address key global and regional challenges. These include responding to geopolitical shocks, stimulating growth to improve living standards, and stewarding a just and inclusive energy transition.

South Africa’s innovation and technology is crucial in driving economic development and addressing societal challenges, thus aiming to leverage technological advancements to promote inclusive growth and enhance global competitiveness. This would be achieved by modernising industries, advancing skill development, and improving public services.

President Ramaphosa will deliver a special address to the World Economic Forum, where he will present the economic priorities of South Africa’s Government of National Unity and advance the country’s G20 Presidency which is themed "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”.

South Africa is committed to leveraging the G20 platform to highlight the significance of fostering economic growth while ensuring social inclusion and environmental stewardship.

During the G20 Presidency, South Africa will endeavour to create equitable opportunities for all by addressing systemic disparities and promoting unity and mutual support to address shared global challenges collaboratively.

The WEF Annual Meeting is a valuable opportunity for South Africa to demonstrate its potential as a hub for global investments and its ongoing structural reforms.

South Africa’s delegation, which includes key government and business leaders, will engage with international stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and advance South Africa’s economic and social agenda.

Through these engagements, South Africa aims to reaffirm its role as a key player in the global community, contributing meaningfully to discussions on sustainable development and collaborative solutions for a better future.

The President will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Mr Ronald Lamola; Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Mr Parks Tau; Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa; Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Blade Nzimande; Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Mr Solly Malatsi; Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Environment Mr Dion George; Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and Minister of Agriculture Mr John Steenhuisen.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Tuesday, 21 January 2025, address the Annual NEDLAC Organised Labour School, taking place at Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate in Pretoria.

Convened under the theme “Building unity of workers to defend labour rights and advance decent work for all”, the NEDLAC Organised Labour School is held annually to take stock of the state of the labour market and the challenges facing workers in the country.

The Annual Labour School is attended by delegations from the Federations together with invited guests from the International Labour Organisation and government departments.

Members of the media are invited to cover the Deputy President’s address as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 21 January 2025
Time : 09:00am (Media to arrive at 8:00am)
Venue : Kievits Kroon, Plot 41, Reier Road, Kameeldrift, Pretoria.

Members of the media are requested to RSVP to Ms Tshiamo Selomo on 066 118 1505.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, 16 January 2025, convened with ministers and senior business leaders to reaffirm the Government Business Partnership’s commitment to achieving their shared ambition of significantly growing the economy. 
 
The focus for 2025 is on accelerating the crucial reforms, operational improvements, and key interventions in the areas of energy, transport and logistics, crime and corruption, and youth employment. In addition to the achievements of Phase 1 of the partnership, the most significant being the successful reduction of load shedding, the partners cited the promulgation of the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act (ERA) and the release of the Transnet Network Statement in December as notable examples of policy steps taken by government.
 
The full implementation of these interventions, in addition to the reforms already underway through Operation Vulindlela, have the potential to lift GDP growth to above 3%, which is essential to reduce unemployment.
 
South Africa needs to attract the substantial investment needed to help drive more robust and inclusive economic growth. The partners acknowledged that while considerable progress has been made there is a need to accelerate efforts to deliver on their ambitious plans.
 
The partnership is based on a clear set of principles, exceptional governance, a well-defined delineation of roles between government and business, and a results-driven approach to achieving meaningful progress. As host of the G20 summit, and the B20, South Africa will be able to showcase the partnership as a uniquely successful public-private collaboration model. The partnership provides a compelling case study for many emerging and developed markets, demonstrating how business can leverage its expertise and resources to help implement government’s policy agenda in areas where key reforms are required to foster economic growth. 
 
The year ahead presents an important opportunity to craft a more optimistic "SA Inc" narrative and drive increased investment, economic growth, and job creation. The partners emphasised the importance of seizing this moment to achieve meaningful progress.
 
As President Cyril Ramaphosa remarked: “As we begin what promises to be a momentous year, there is much progress to build on. We know that to achieve a goal of 3% economic growth will require an extraordinary effort, not just from this partnership but from all stakeholders and all South Africans. This means we have to remain focused and purpose-driven and accelerate implementation. Together we are moving ever closer to the promise of a thriving and inclusive economy that meets the needs of all our people.”

Media contacts / interviews: 
 
The Presidency: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President, at media@presidency.gov.za
 
Business for South Africa (B4SA): Sandra Sowray, B4SA media, on 079 167 6863 /sandra@prologconsulting.co.za OR Dani Cohen, B4SA media, on 082 897 0443 / dani@prologconsulting.co.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Maputo today, 15 January 2025, to attend the inauguration of the President-Elect of the Republic of Moçambique, His Excellency Daniel Chapo, following the Presidential, Legislative and Provincial Elections which were held in Moçambique on 9 October 2024. 

The inauguration of President-Elect Chapo provides an opportunity for all the people of Moçambique to work together towards peace, democracy and development. 

President Ramaphosa is looking forward to working closely with President-Elect Chapo in further strengthening the existing strong fraternal relations between the two countries and looks forward to seeing Mozambicans come together in the spirit of unity and cooperation as they build a brighter future.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, and Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

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

Issued by: The Presidency

President Cyril Ramaphosa chaired the inaugural meeting of the newly appointed Presidential Economic Advisory Council for the Seventh Administration today, 14 January 2025, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.  

President Ramaphosa welcomed the new and returning members of the Council, which was appointed in November 2024, and highlighted the important role that the Council will play as the Government of National Unity looks to reignite economic growth and tackle poverty and inequality.

The meeting reaffirmed the necessity of structural transformation and economic reforms to accelerate economic growth, and discussed forward-looking policy proposals in areas such as green industrial policy, skills development, and macroeconomic policy.

Members of the Council discussed the need to position South Africa for growth in a rapidly changing global environment, in which technological advances in artificial intelligence and the imperative of tackling climate change will lead to structural changes in economies.  

A key topic of discussion was South Africa’s role in advancing the global economic policy agenda as it assumes the Presidency of the G20. President Ramaphosa has outlined a set of clear and actionable priorities for the G20 Presidency which include  mobilising finance to support a just transition, addressing the unsustainable debt burden on developing countries, strengthening disaster resilience and response, and harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

The meeting discussed proposals to advance these priorities, building on the progress made on issues such as international taxation, reform of multilateral development banks, and climate finance.

President Ramaphosa said: “The Presidential Economic Advisory Council will play an important role in providing independent advice as we seek to ensure that our economic policy is informed by sound evidence, by innovation, and by a diversity of views and opinions.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa commends the Matric Class of 2024 on multiple unprecedented achievements that bear testimony to learners’ personal commitment and advances in the basic education sector.
 
In 2024, 615 429 learners passed the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, surpassing the pass rate at any other time in the country’s history.
 
The national pass rate for the National Senior Certificate increased from 82.9% in 2023 to 87.3% last year.
 
Nearly half of learners who wrote the NSC examinations received a Bachelor pass, while nearly 320 000 distinctions were achieved.
 
President Ramaphosa said: “The achievements of the Class of 2024 are a proud contribution to and evidence of our progress as a nation during 30 years of freedom and democracy.
 
“These results reinforce our resolute development of our nation’s most valuable resource, our young people. They also provide proof that we are undoing apartheid’s planned legacy of intergenerational indignity, disadvantage and poverty for the majority of South Africans.
 
“These results demonstrate the agency, resilience and pride of the youth of our nation in creating a better future for themselves and for all of us.
 
“In the public and private basic education sectors, our learners, teachers and parents or caregivers deserve our appreciation, alongside school governing bodies, partners in the private sector, trade unions and academia.
 
“The doors of learning have swung wide open and we will celebrate each new generation that passes through these doors successfully.
 
“As Government and our partners in civil society, we must all work together to ensure that learners such as the Class of 2024 are able to take up as many opportunities as we can create for them to succeed.
 
“This must include the space and inspiration for young people to set their own course as entrepreneurs, innovators, inventors and other embodiments of creativity and self-reliance.
 
“The achievements of the Class of 2024 must also sharpen our resolve to attend to challenges affecting the education sector and our economic performance. We are confident the Class of 2024 will itself produce some of the answers to these challenges.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria