Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Thursday, 31 October 2024, brief Members of Parliament in the National Assembly on a range of issues including progress made by Government in addressing water challenges in the country and resolving the high-unemployment rate in productive sectors of the economy. The Deputy President will also update Members on Government efforts to building requisite skills to meet the labour market demand.

Following his recent successful Working Visit to the United Kingdom and Ireland, the Deputy President will provide an update on the keenness of investors from the United Kingdom and Ireland to tap into various sectors such as the finance, energy, transportation and infrastructure development. 

As the Chairperson of the Water Task Team, the Deputy President will outline critical measures undertaken by Government to avert a stage where adequate supply of water becomes a crisis in the country. 

Additionally, the Deputy President will highlight the steps taken by the Department of Water and Sanitation against some municipalities for various acts of pollution and environmental damage, as well as other long term strategies to address the wide-spread contamination of water and infrastructure challenges in municipalities.

The Deputy President will further update on the discussions around the proposed National Dialogue and on progress regarding the amendment of Section 25 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, to give effect to the expropriation of land without compensation.

Details of the sitting are as follows:

Date: Thursday, 31 October 2024
Time: 14h00
Venue: Nieuwmeester Marquee, Cape Town

Livestreaming: on DSTV Parliamentary Channel 408

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Leadership of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange,
Representatives of the South African Government,
Representatives of the South African Reserve Bank,
Representatives from business, industry and the investor community,
Members of the diplomatic corps,
Delegates,
Guests,
 
Allow me to thank the organisers and sponsors of this important conference, which in many ways showcases trade and investment opportunities in South Africa.
 
This conference takes place at an important time, as South Africa enters a new era of optimism and progress. 
 
It is just over a hundred days since the Government of National Unity was formed following our successful elections in May.
 
The new Government took office with three strategic priorities:
 
Firstly, to drive inclusive growth and job creation. 
 
Secondly, to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living. 
 
Thirdly, to build a capable, ethical and developmental state.
 
South Africa has a great deal to offer as an investment destination. 
 
We are the most advanced, diverse economy in sub-Saharan Africa.
 
South Africa has deep and well-regulated capital markets. We also have a mature financial and services sector and strong and functioning institutions. 
 
South Africa is open for investment in industries as diverse as financial services and advanced manufacturing, energy and healthcare infrastructure and mining. 
 
We are developing the value chains of the future. With substantial reserves of critical minerals, we aim to be at the forefront of the green energy revolution. 
 
We have a competitive advantage in the production of sustainable energy technologies, renewable energy components, green hydrogen and many others. 
 
Against the backdrop of poor economic performance over the past 15 years and subdued investment, we are working with partners across society to create the conditions for growth and jobs.
 
A year ago, we established a partnership between government and business to tackle some of the most immediate challenges facing our economy.
 
Through a Government-wide initiative known as Operation Vulindlela – meaning ‘to open the way’ – we  have been driving structural reforms to unleash growth and create jobs. 
 
Working with partners in business and labour, we have made tremendous progress in stabilising the country’s electricity supply.
 
Through regulatory reforms, we have driven massive private sector investment in renewable energy.
 
We have established the legislative and institutional framework for a more competitive and sustainable energy market. 
 
We have undertaken immigration reform to attract more skilled workers and tourists.
 
We are opening up our rail network and port infrastructure for participation by third party operators, meaning the private sector.
 
We are working with business and relevant agencies to implement the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force to remove South Africa from the FATF grey list. 
 
The Government of National Unity is committed to sound macroeconomic policies that support inclusive growth, stability and development.
 
Next year, South Africa assumes the Presidency of the G20. The theme we have chosen is: ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainable Development’. We will use our G20 Presidency to advocate for increased investment on the African continent and across the countries of the Global South.
 
We will continue to promote a global economic order that is inclusive and fair. We will continue to work with our partners to achieve shared and sustainable prosperity for all countries.
 
The last few months has seen a renewal of investor interest in the South African economy. This has been prevalent in both the local market and offshore. The message I bring to investors today is that this interest is well-placed. 
 
South Africa is firmly on the road to recovery. Investments in South Africa are secure. Our business environment is stable. 
 
This is supported by policy certainty and regulatory safeguards that we have. 
 
In many ways, South Africa is open for business. 
 
Together, we can forge a path to shared success, prosperity and progress. 
 
I thank you for your attention and wish you well with your deliberations.
 
I thank you.

Video link to the President's Address: https://we.tl/t-AQyd92Rr8z

President Cyril Ramaphosa will today, Tuesday 29 October 2024, host His Excellency President Dr Nangolo Mbumba of the Republic of Namibia for a working visit to the Republic of South Africa at the Genadendal, the Official Residence of the President in Cape Town.

The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries and to consolidate the strong ties whose foundation was forged during their common struggle against colonialism and apartheid.

President Mbumba’s working visit to South Africa follows Minister Ronald Lamola’s recent participation at the Ministerial Meeting of the Political, Diplomatic and Legal Committee of the South Africa - Namibia Bi-National Commission (BNC) in  Swakopmund, Namibia.

It is envisaged that President Mbumba will use his meeting with President Ramaphosa to reflect on his tenure as the President of Namibia as well as apprise the President on the political and economic situation in Namibia, and within the governing party, SWAPO.
  

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria