President Cyril Ramaphosa is saddened by the loss of life that has resulted from a three-vehicle collision on the R573 Moloto Road at Kameeldrift  near Pretoria on Monday, 25 February 2019.

A sixth victim of the incident which involved a Putco bus, an armoured vehicle and a multi-passenger vehicle passed away in hospital today, Tuesday 26 February 2019.

At least 25 people – most of them bus passengers – were taken to hospital after yesterday’s incident.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and colleagues of our fellow citizens who perished in this tragedy,” said President Ramaphosa, who also wished survivors of the incident a speedy recovery.

“This tragic incident reminds us of the fragility of life and reminds us why it is necessary for all of us to be patient and considerate as we use and share our roads. A few seconds of consideration can prevent a lifetime of trauma and loss.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has committed government to joining the disability sector of South Africa on a journey towards the full empowerment of people with disabilities.

The President gave this commitment at the end of a meeting of the Presidential Working Group on Disability in Pretoria today, Tuesday 26 February 2019. This was the first Presidential Working Group to meet following the State of the Nation Address which the President delivered to a joint sitting   of Parliament on Thursday, 7 February.

In addition, the President committed government departments to the inclusion of people with disabilities within their respective mandates and called for similar commitment on the part of the private sector.

President Ramaphosa was joined at the meeting by Minister of Transport, Dr Blade Nzimande, Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Adv Michael Masutha, Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ms Henrietta Bogopane-Zulu and Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration Dr Chana Pilane-Majake. Several Directors-General attended as well.
 
Disability sector organisations represented at today’s meeting included Action in Autism, Epilepsy South Africa, the Association of Hearing Loss Accessibility and Development; Disability Workshop Development Enterprise; Deaf Federation of South Africa; Africa Disability Alliance; the Black Management Forum; the Albinism Society of South Africa; the Paralympic Committee; Digital Accessible Information System (DAISY) South Africa; Down Syndrome South Africa; Disabled People South Africa.

Other stakeholders were: Albinism Society of South Africa; Institute for the Promotion of Disabled Manpower; Disabled Children Action Group; South African Federation for Mental Health; Kgalagadi People with Disabilities; Disabled Women South Africa; Disability Empowerment Concerns Trust; Disability Association for South African National Military Veterans; Deaf Empowerment Firm; BlindSA; the South African Deaf Youth Development Project; the National Association of Persons with Cerebral Palsy; the SA National Association of Blind and Partially Sighted Persons; disability veteran Ms Washiela Sait; QuadPara Association of South Africa; Global Mental Health Peer Review Network, and the South Africa Disability Development Trust.

Disability sector delegates highlighted five overarching goals for the attention and action of the Presidential Working Group on Disability.

These are:

• Location of government’s Office of Disability within the Presidency as part of the reconfiguration of government;
• The adoption of South African Sign Language as the 12th official language;
• The domestication of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, with the effect that all legislation and the whole of government should mainstream disability;
• The resourcing, from the fiscus and other sources, of programmes that support people with disabilities, and
• Support for vulnerable groups and strengthening of the criminal justice system to end victimisation of people with disability.
 
President Ramaphosa commended the sector on the clarity of depth of the various concerns and proposals tabled at the Working Group.

Among issues raised were local production of assistive devices for people with disabilities; the development of early childhood development facilities for children with disability, and the need for change in societal attitudes to people with albinism and the ending of violence – including murder – against people with albinism.

President Ramaphosa said the Working Group would process the proposals made through a number of technical committees that would be focused on securing implementation of the proposed actions.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared Wednesday, 8 May 2019, as the date of the election of the National Assembly.

All Premiers have also declared 8 May 2019 as the date of the election of provincial legislatures.

These proclamations have been published in the Government Gazette.

The President has in terms of Section 50(1) of the Constitution dissolved the National Assembly. This follows a National Assembly resolution adopted on   21 February 2019.

The President has also in terms of Section 2A of the Public Holidays Act of 1994 declared 8 May 2019 as a public holiday throughout the country.

Employers are advised to note the declaration of 8 May 2019 as a public holiday in order to facilitate voting by staff and to encourage staff to exercise their right to vote.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday 1 March 2019 officiate the launch in South Africa of the landmark “Future of Work” report of the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Global Commission on the Future of Work.
 
President Ramaphosa and Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven co-chaired the 27-member Global Commission whose report was launched to the international community by President Ramaphosa at the ILO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on 22 January 2019.
 
Prime Minister Löfven will attend the South African national launch at Ballito north of Durban on Friday 1 March.
 
President Hage Geingob of the Republic of Namibia, who is Chair of the Southern African Development Community, will also attend the launch which forms part of the ILO’s centenary programme in 2019.
 
The Global Commission had been tasked to identify challenges and make recommendations that will sustain and protect the livelihood of workers around the world amid the proliferation of the fourth industrial revolution, climate change and the changing world.
 
The South African national launch of the report will take place alongside the 45th Session of the African Regional Labour Administration Council from 26-28 February 2019 at the Fairmont Zimbali Lodge in Ballito north of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. 
 
The African Regional Labour Administration Council is a gathering of Labour Ministers and other delegates from 19 African countries under the theme “Towards Gender Equality in the Future of Work”. This meeting is aligned to one of the 10 recommendations of the Future of Work report that calls on all ILO member countries to set measurable targets for achieving gender equality.
 
President Ramaphosa will present the Commission’s key recommendations that advocate a human-centred approach to the challenges and opportunities arising from rapid technological and environmental change.
 
In the State of the Nation Address earlier this month, President Ramaphosa outlined five priorities for the government, which included improving the education system and developing the skills that are needed now and into the future.
 
President Ramaphosa further announced on the impending appointment of the Presidential Commission on the 4th Industrial Revolution to harness technological change in pursuit of inclusive growth and social development.
 
Details of the launch of the ILO Future of Work Report are:
Date: 01 March 2019
Time: 07h30
Venue: Fairmont Zimbali Resort, Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal Province
 
Members of the media covering the launch should send their names and ID/Passport numbers by 14h00 on 28 February 2019, to khutjos@gmail.com or 079 898 4621 using the form below.
 
NB: Only accredited media will be allowed to cover the event. Accredited media will be advised on collection of accreditation.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Accreditation form for The Future of Work Report.pdf

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 01 March 2019, address the Black Business Council (BBC) Summit Dinner at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.

The BBC is a confederation of professionals, business associations, chambers and corporates with more than two (2) million members. It advocates for national economic transformation through the attainment of meaningful participation by black business in the mainstream economy.

This two (2) days summit which commences on Thursday, 28 February 2019, will be an interaction between government, labour, civil society and business   on matters relating to the country’s economy.  Amongst the issues the summit is expected to discuss is land reform, South Africa’s readiness for the fourth   (4th) Industrial Revolution, comprehensive socio-economic transformation as well as mechanisms to increase the number of new entrants into the   economy thus creating much needed jobs and reducing unemployment.

The President will address the closing of the summit at its Gala Dinner.

Media is invited to cover the President’s address as follows:
Date: Friday, 01 March 2019
Time: 18:00 for 19:00
Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand

Members of the media who would like to cover the Summit Gala Dinner should liaise with Tsakane Khambane on 082 084 5566 or tsakane@presidency.gov.za.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Sunday, 03 March 2019 undertake a working visit to Mbabane, in the Kingdom of Eswatini, for discussions with His Majesty King Mswati III.

South Africa and Eswatini have cordial bilateral relations which are informed by cultural affinities, geographical proximity and historical ties dating back to the struggle against colonialism and apartheid in South Africa.

The structured bilateral relations between the two countries are conducted through the Joint Bilateral Commission for Cooperation (JBCC) which was  established on 20 December 2004, and is convened at a Ministerial Level.

Furthermore, both countries have signed 21 bilateral agreements which serve as legal instruments for cooperation in areas such as cross-border movement of people and goods, trade and investment, health, defence and policing, among others.

South Africa is the largest trading partner of Eswatini. Total bilateral trade between the two countries amounted to R 33,4 billion in 2017, with exports from South Africa amounting to R 17,1 billion, whilst imports from the Kingdom reached a value of R16.2 billion.    

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


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed new members of the Municipal Demarcation Board, with effect from today, 1 March 2019, for a period of   five years.

The new members are the following;

(1) Mr Thabo Moses Manyoni
(2) Ms Mbali Pearl Myeni
(3) Mr Monnapula Petrus Motlogelwa
(4) Mr David Mohale
(5) Mr Albert Kekesi
(6) Ms Nomso Baliso
(7) Ms Greta Apelgrein-Narkedien
(8) Mr Themba Dubazana
(9) Ms Mmatsie Mookie
(10) Ms Mabjoalo Jane Thupana

Mr Thabo Moses Manyoni has been appointed as Chairperson and Ms Mbali Pearl Myeni as Deputy Chairperson of the Board.

The President has thanked the former Board for their hard work and contribution to the strengthening of democratic local governance, and wishes the new Board well with their new responsibilities.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded a Working Visit to the Kingdom of eSwatini where he held talks with His Majesty King Mswati III on a range of bilateral issues.

President Ramaphosa’s visit formed part of a series of courtesy calls on heads of state and government in the Southern African Development Community following his election as President in February 2018.

President Ramaphosa has paid similar visits to Angola, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and Mozambique.

During his visit to the Hlane Royal Residence, President Ramaphosa and His Majesty King Mswati reviewed bilateral cooperation between the two countries in discussions that reflected the warmth of relations between the two leaders and the governments and people of the neighbouring states.

In this regard they noted with appreciation the ongoing cooperation in many sectors including trade and investment, security, health and education.

The two leaders directed the ministers of international relations and cooperation in the two countries to convene the Joint Bilateral Commission on Cooperation (JBCC) that oversees the implementation of signed agreements between South Africa and eSwatini.

They further directed that ministers should ensure that the issue of congestion at border posts and other outstanding issues are attended to.

President Ramaphosa and His Majesty King Mswati III also exchanged views on current developments in the SADC region. They also congratulated Nigeria and Senegal for conducting peaceful elections.

His Majesty King Mswati III wished the people of South Africa well for the success of the forthcoming provincial and national elections.

Following the deliberations of the two heads of state, King Mswati III invited President Ramaphosa to the conclusion of the annual Buganu Festival which celebrates the harvest of the first marula fruit of the season. This event was also attended by Her Majesty the Queen Mother.

Addressing regiments of Lutsango dancers from different parts of eSwatini at the close of the Buganu Festival, His Majesty warmly welcomed the visit by President Ramaphosa and expressed the wish that the two states would engage more frequently to “exchange ideas for the betterment of our peoples” and the “furtherance of relations as friendly neighbours”.

In his response President Ramaphosa expressed his appreciation for eSwatini’s hosting of the Working Visit and commended the Kingdom on its celebration of eSwatini culture.

President Ramaphosa also expressed appreciation for the solidarity shown by the people of eSwatini to South Africans during the struggle against apartheid.

The President said: “Now is the time for economic development. Our two countries are focusing on growing our economies and creating jobs for young people.”

President Ramaphosa said the talks had identified a broad range of opportunities for bilateral cooperation in sectors such as tourism, information and communications technology, the Fourth Industrial Revolution and agriculture.

The President expressed the wish that future cooperation be facilitated at the level of a binational commission.

President Ramaphosa was accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ms Lindiwe Sisulu and Minister of State Security Ms Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has this morning, 03 March 2019 arrived for a working visit in the Kingdom of Eswatini.

The President and His Majesty King Mswati III will today hold discussions on bilateral, regional and continental issues as well as international developments.

South Africa and Eswatini have cordial bilateral relations which are informed by cultural affinities, geographical proximity and historical ties dating back to the struggle against colonialism and apartheid in South Africa.

 The structured bilateral relations between the two countries are conducted through the Joint Bilateral Commission for Cooperation (JBCC) which was   established on 20 December 2004, and is convened at a Ministerial Level.

Furthermore, both countries have signed 21 bilateral agreements which serve as legal instruments for cooperation in areas such as cross-border movement of people and goods, trade and investment, health, defence and policing, among others.

South Africa is the largest trading partner of Eswatini. Total bilateral trade between the two countries amounted to R 33,4 billion in 2017, with exports from South Africa amounting to R 17,1 billion, whilst imports from the Kingdom reached a value of R16.2 billion.      

The President is accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu and Minister of State Security, Ms Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba. 


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 06 March 2019, address the 2019 Young Presidents Organisation (YPO) Global Leadership Conference Dinner at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in the Western Cape.

Founded in 1950, YPO is a global network of young chief executives of companies in diverse industries, with approximately 24 000 members from   more than 130 countries.

The organisation meets annually to foster its objective of creating better leadership through education, peer guidance and the sharing of ideas.

The President’s address to this global audience of business leaders will underline South Africa’s status as a partner and market that is open for business   and welcomes investment.

The Dinner will also be attended by the President of the Republic of Rwanda, H.E Paul Kagame.

The dinner will take place as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 06 March 2019
Time: 17:00 for 19:00
Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre

Members of the media who would like to cover the Dinner should liaise with Tsakane Khambane on 082 084 5566 / Tsakane@presidency.gov.za by no later than 15:30 on Tuesday, 05 March 2019. 


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria