On behalf the nation, President Cyril Ramaphosa commends the Springboks on their Rugby World Cup 2023 victory over New Zealand which makes South Africa the first country to win this championship four times.

The President offers his congratulations to the team who performed at the Stade de France this evening, Saturday, 28 October 2023, as well as coaching team, the broader squad and the team management and technical and support staff.

The President said: “Stronger Together is a belief that came to life for Springbok supporters all around our country and continent, and the world.

“Sport has the power to transform the lives and lift the spirits of entire nations.

“Tonight, Siya Kolisi and the 2023 World Cup champions have gifted us an extraordinary, inspired and inspiring national achievement that lifts our hearts and hoists our Flag even higher.”

President Ramaphosa offers his congratulations to New Zealand for a hard-fought World Cup campaign that made the All Blacks deserving finalists. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has this morning, 28 October 2023, arrived in the French Republic to cheer on and wholeheartedly back the Springboks in their quest to retain the Webb Ellis Rugby World Cup. 

The Springboks will kick off against New Zealand at the Stade de France where the spectacle of rugby will be enjoyed by a global audience. Kickoff is set for 21h00 this evening. 

Ahead of the highly anticipated final, the President will interact with the Springbok team to wish them well and inspire them to victory. The Springboks have inspired all South Africans and the world with their fighting spirit that they have displayed over the course of the tournament which has transcended the sport of rugby. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will before kick off hold a pull aside bilateral meeting with the President of the French Republic, His Excellency President Emmanuel Macron. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Friday, 27 October 2023, lead an oversight visit to Emfuleni Local municipality in Gauteng to assess progress and steps taken to improve service delivery.

The municipality has faced difficulties in the provision of water services, leading the national Department of Water and Sanitation to intervene and effect upgrades and improvements to critical bulk pipelines and pump stations infrastructure.

The President’s visit to Emfuleni will be undertaken within the context of the District Development Model (DDM), which aims to improve cooperative governance through integrated intergovernmental planning and budgeting.

President Ramaphosa will visit the area's waste water treatment plant and highway pump stations before meeting with stakeholders in the area.

A media pool arrangement will be in place and the event will be streamed across various government social media platforms.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Good afternoon and welcome to members of the media and my colleagues.

Thank you for joining me at this briefing today where I will provide a brief update on key engagements on the President’s diary over the coming days.

I would like to begin with tomorrow, Thursday, 27 October when the President will lead an oversight visit by government to the Emfuleni Local Municipality in Gauteng. 

This municipality incorporates such areas as Vereeniging, Vanderbijlpark, Sharpeville, Sebokeng, Boipatong and others. The economically and socially important Vaal River also flows through this area.

The President and a number of Ministers as well provincial and municipal leadership will assess progress in improvements to service delivery, as well as challenges that remain.

The municipality has faced difficulties in the provision of water services, leading the Department of Water and Sanitation to intervene to upgrade critical bulk pipelines and pump stations infrastructure.

The President’s visit takes place in the context of the District Development Model (DDM), which aims to improve cooperative governance through integrated intergovernmental planning and budgeting.

It’s also a fulfilment of a commitment made by the President that he would visit all provinces as part of the “Leave No One Behind”* District Development Model series of Presidential Izimbizo.

The President will visit a water treatment plant, a waste water treatment plant and a highway pump station before meeting with stakeholders in the area.

A media pool arrangement will be in place and the event will be streamed across various government social media platforms.

RUGBY WORLD CUP FINAL

Tomorrow – Friday, 27 October – the President will travel to Paris, France, to support the Springboks in their quest on Saturday the 28th of October to retain the Rugby World Cup Webb Ellis Trophy.

Of course, the President is really looking to be invited onto the pitch a second time by Siya Kolisi to help lift the Cup for the world champions. This will be the first time any country will hold 4 Rugby World Cup titles.

The President wishes the Springboks and the All Blacks well for this showcase which we hope will be memorable for the in-stadium audience and the global media audience.

PROGRAMME IN PARLIAMENT

On Wednesday, 1 November, the President will attend Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s delivery of the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement – or MTBPS - to Parliament.

The MTBPS sets government priorities and goals; forecasts the macroeconomic trajectory, and projects the fiscal framework over the next three years by outlining spending and revenue estimates, among others.

On Thursday, 2 November, the President will respond to Questions for Oral Reply in the National Assembly.

The President will engage with Members of Parliament on:

•    the accountability of the South African Reserve Bank to Parliament;
•    Progress in the deliberations of the Remuneration Review Commission for the 2023/2024 period;
•    Protection of women and children against violence,
•    Implications of the insights gained from the Census 2022 for Government’s macro-economic policy, as well as
•    Fiscal discipline within government. 

20TH AGOA FORUM

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 03 November 2023 host the 20th AGOA Forum at Nasrec, Johannesburg.

The AGOA Forum serves as a vital platform for the United States to build on the success of the Africa Leaders’ Summit and further enhance the economic partnership with African states, under the aegis of the United States’ African Growth and Opportunity Act that was approved by the US Congress in May 2000.

During the Forum, President Cyril Ramaphosa will address shared priorities and opportunities to make AGOA more transformative. 

The gathering will bring together governments from the United States and AGOA-eligible countries, along with representatives from key regional economic organizations, the private sector, civil society, and labour.

Over the course of the event, participants will delve into conversations about strengthening trade and investment ties between the United States and Sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on promoting resilient, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth and development.

The AGOA Forum will also feature the 'Made in Africa Exhibition,' showcasing regional value chains on the continent, highlighting the diverse and growing industries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

AGOA, which has played a crucial role in promoting the export of African goods to the United States, remains a key driver of economic growth and development. An extension of AGOA beyond 2025 is expected to promote inward investment in Africa and provide mutual benefits to the United States and African countries. This extension will further support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), covering 54 countries and 1.4 billion people.

Benefits of AGOA for South Africa:

•    In 2022, South African exports under the Most Favoured Nation system accounted for the largest share and export value of the country's total exports to the US market, steadily growing from US$5.6 billion in 2011 to US$12.7 billion in 2022.
•    Trade under AGOA accounted for approximately 21% of South Africa's total exports to the United States in 2022, increasing in value from US$2.0 billion in 2021 to US$3.0 billion in 2022.
•    South African exports under the Generalised System of Preferences programme dropped significantly, accounting for about 4% of total exports to the US in 2022.
•    South Africa enjoyed a trade surplus of $8.0 billion in 2022.
•    AGOA exports from South Africa include commodities and value-added products.
•    The leading South African exports to the US in 2021 included vehicles, iron and steel, edible fruits, organic chemicals, and precious stones.
•    AGOA exports represented 21% of total South African exports in 2022, up from 13% in 2021.
•    The decline in AGOA exports can be attributed to various factors, including section 232 tariffs affecting steel and aluminium exports.
•    Major AGOA beneficiary sectors for South Africa in 2021 included vehicles, iron and steel, edible fruits, organic chemicals, and precious stones.
•    AGOA has been estimated to create numerous jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa, with South Africa benefiting from the creation of 62,395 jobs, both directly and indirectly.

Since its inception in 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has been pivotal in strengthening economic ties and promoting growth and development across the African continent. 

AGOA's rigorous eligibility requirements include establishing a market-based economy, upholding the rule of law, political pluralism, and the right to due process. 

AGOA has opened up new market opportunities, facilitated economic growth, encouraged economic and political reform, and improved economic relations between the United States and Sub-Saharan Africa. 

It remains a cornerstone of United States economic policy and commercial engagement with Africa.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Presidential Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, will tomorrow, 26 October 2023, host a media briefing to update the public on the President’s public programme.

Members of the media are invited as follows:

Date: Thursday, 26 October 2023
Time: 13h00 (Media to arrive at 12h00)
Venue: Room 159, Union Buildings, Pretoria 
 
RSVP: Members of the media wishing to attend the media briefing in person are requested to submit their details to Hlobisile Nkosi at hlobisile@presidency.gov.za by 12h00 on 26 October 2023.

Media following remotely can text their questions to 079 988 9954. The media briefing will be streamed live and the link will be shared prior. 
 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded his working visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt with an appeal to the international community to do more in enabling the revival of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. 

The President traveled to Cairo, Egypt on 21 October 2023, to attend the Cairo Summit for Peace at the invitation of Egyptian President, His Excellency Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

In his plea to the international community, President Ramaphosa said more energy and focus must be directed at supporting the resumption of the peace process.

“Influential countries like the United States of America, have a duty and a responsibility to support processes that will deliver a long lasting and durable peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians. The international community cannot afford to squander the opportunity that has been presented by the current conflict to decisively push for a two state solution. There is unanimity across the globe that peace is viable when a free and independent state of Palestine exists alongside a secure state of Israel,” said President Ramaphosa.

President Ramaphosa decried the escalation of the conflict by those arming either of the warring parties and called on state actors to immediately stop the provision of weapons as it undermines the promise of peace.

“The fighting must end. Israel must stop its siege and shelling of Gaza. Hamas must stop launching rockets into Israel. Hostages must be returned. We must discourage any action that fuels this conflict and threatens to engulf the entire region.  Humanitarian corridors must be opened to alleviate human suffering,” said President Ramaphosa.

The President expressed his gratitude to President El-Sisi for convening the summit, marking it as the beginning of many efforts that will rally the Israelis and Palestinians and the world behind a concerted attempt aimed at finding peace in the Middle East.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Saturday, 21 October 2023, attend the Cairo Summit for Peace at the invitation of His Excellency Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

The Summit will discuss the ongoing escalation of the conflict in Israel and the Gaza Strip, the urgent need for humanitarian support and make a call for the resumption of the peace process.

President Ramaphosa has been deeply concerned by attacks on civilians, the resulting enormous loss of life, displacement of people and the humanitarian crisis that has engulfed the Gaza Strip.

South Africa has repeatedly called for the immediate cessation of hostilities, return of hostages and the urgent opening of humanitarian corridors.

South Africa stands ready to join the global effort that will bring about lasting peace to the Middle East.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya; Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa on media@presidency.gov.za 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep and profound sadness at the passing of Former President of Finland Martti Ahtisaari, who died at the age of 86 on 16 October 2023.

President Ahtisaari was well respected for the many leadership roles he occupied and accolades that he received during a life time of service to humanity.

 The former President of Finland and Nobel Laureate was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008 for his role as an independent mediator and contribution to ending conflicts in Namibia, Kosovo, Northern Ireland and Indonesia.
 
 He was also the founder of the conflict resolution foundation, Crisis Management Institute—Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation and was a member of the Elders, a group of former senior world leaders founded by the late former President Nelson Mandela. 

“I remember Martti Ahtisaari as my partner in Northern Ireland where we both served as inspectors in the decommissioning of weapons process during the years 2000 and 2001. Martti had a wonderful sense of humour, which helped tremendously as we travelled the Irish countryside counting weapons and placing plastic seal strappings through and around them.

We were always aligned in our thinking and as Martti noted in his biography we were able to finish each other’s sentences. We completed this task when the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning announced that the IRA had rendered the quantity of arms completely beyond utilisation. It was a great privilege for both of us to have played a small part in the Northern Ireland Peace Process,” recalls President Ramaphosa.

The world will remember Ahtisaari as a man of peace, a tough negotiator who displayed great compassion and deep respect for people.

President Ramaphosa joins the many voices around the world in extending his condolences to President Ahtisaari’s wife, Eeva, their son Marko and the people of Finland.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 19 October 2023, address the International Women’s Forum South Africa Hall of Femme Awards ceremony. 

Open only to IWFSA members and select invitees, the awards serve as a beacon, highlighting the tireless commitment and relentless drive of women who not only excel in their respective fields but also open doors for the next generation of leaders.
 
The IWFSA forms the South African arm of the International Women’s Forum (IWF), a formidable organization comprising over 7,500 distinguished members from 36 nations and spanning six continents. IWF Global takes pride in its diverse board - arguably one of its most varied in its history, encompassing 19 Forums across 13 countries.

Members of the media are invited as follows:

Date:Thursday, 19 October 2023
Time: 18h00
Venue: Standard Bank Auditorium, Rosebank

For media accreditation contact, Patience Mtshali 083 376 9468

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 20 October 2023, undertake a return visit to the North West Province to assess progress made on commitments Government undertook during the previous District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo.

The DDM visit aimed for integrated service delivery will be held under the theme: “Leave no one behind” at the J.B. Marks Local Municipality in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality.

This visit provides an opportunity for the President to assess progress made in implementing the interventions pronounced during his visit on 12 March 2022, in Mahikeng.

During the visit, community members raised various service delivery challenges such as water shortages, Crime and GBVF, bad state of the roads, lack of access to electricity, and creation of jobs for the youth.

President Ramaphosa supported by Cabinet members and senior government recorded issues raised by community members with clear timeframes and action plans.

The President will also conduct a site visit to the water treatment works with an upgraded reservoir which will convey water to Ikageng Proper, Ikageng Ext 1,4,5,9,12, Potchindustria, Mohadin and the Northern portion of Ikageng Ext 7.  The reservoir is also suitable to cater for further future developments.

Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality consists of three local municipalities, namely; JB Marks, Matlosana and Maquassi Hills, and has a total population of just above 800 000 people. 

The District has prioritised sectors of tourism, mining and agriculture as key economic activities.  The implementation of the Province’s integrated Accelerated Service Delivery Programme - Thuntsha Lerole is also in full swing to respond to various service delivery challenges in municipalities.  

Preceding the Imbizo, various departments and State-owned entities will hold a series of outreach activities led by Ministers, MECs and Mayors across the District Municipality to engage with the community.

The participation of leadership at the national, provincial and local levels underscores the commitment to accountability among public officials and the promotion of collaborative efforts.

The DDM visit will unfold as follows:

VISIT TO WATER PROJECT

Date: Friday, 20 October 2023
Time: 10h00
Venue: Ikageng New 25ML Reservoir, Ikageng Ext 07

COMMUNITY IMBIZO

Date: Friday, 20 October 2023
Time: 12h00
Venue: Ikageng Sports Complex, Potchestroom

NB: Members of the media who have applied for accreditation to cover the forthcoming Presidential Imbizo are advised to collect accreditation cards as stated below. All media personnel have to collect their own accreditation. They are to present their ID / Press Cards to verify their identity when collecting their accreditation.

DETAILS FOR THE COLLECTION OF MEDIA ACCREDITATION:

Venue: Madiba Banquet Hall, Potchefstroom
Dates and Times:

Wednesday, 18 October 2023 from 08:30 – 18:00
Thursday, 19 October 2023 from 09:00 – 18:00
Friday, 20 October 2023 from 08:00 – 10:00

Enquiries for accreditation should be directed to Takalani Mukwevho (GCIS) on 082 227 9308

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria