Fellow South Africans,
 
I would like to address you this evening on South Africa’s foreign policy in the light of our country being the host of the 15th BRICS Summit.
 
I would also like us to understand and appreciate the significance of this gathering for our country and the African continent.
 
A day ahead of the Summit, we will receive President Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China on his fourth state visit to South Africa.
 
This BRICS Summit and the State Visit by President President Xi Jinping, as well as the many bilateral engagements we will have with President Lula Da Silva of Brazil, Prime Minister Modi of India and many other heads of state on the sidelines of the Summit, have a bearing on our relationships with other countries and South Africa's place in the world.
 
To understand why these relations are so important for our country and its people, we need to understand the principles and the values that shape our foreign policy and inform our international relations.
 
Before the dawn of democracy in 1994, the apartheid South African state was a pariah in the international community, condemned for committing a crime against humanity.
 
The foreign policy of apartheid South Africa was defined by coercion, destabilisation and military aggression.
 
Since the advent of democracy, South Africa's foreign policy has been based on what our forebears inscribed in the Freedom Charter in 1955, when they declared that:
 
“South Africa shall be a fully independent state which respects the rights and the sovereignty of all nations; South Africa shall strive to maintain world peace and the settlement of all international disputes by negotiation – not war”.
 
This foreign policy approach is also a product of the efforts of leaders such as the late Oliver Tambo who mounted a vigorous worldwide campaign to secure global support for our just struggle against apartheid.
 
This put South Africa on the global map in relation to the interests of its people whilst the world condemned its apartheid rulers.
 
Indeed, our foreign policy is a matter that is vital to our progress as a nation.
 
Through stronger relations with other countries, manifested through investment and trade relations, we can grow our economy, create more opportunities for new businesses and create jobs.
 
South Africa’s foreign policy aims to promote our National Interest based on the protection and promotion of our national sovereignty and constitutional order.
 
It is also aimed at improving the well-being, safety and prosperity of our citizens, and the achievement of a better Africa and world.
 
The key pillars of our foreign policy include the promotion of human rights, peace and stability and the strengthening of trade and investment ties with other countries.
 
The foreign policy stance we have taken since the advent of democracy has positioned South Africa as a reliable and influential partner on our continent and in the world.
 
This has enabled our country to have friendly and valuable relations with countries around the world at political, diplomatic, trade, investment, sporting, social and many other levels.
 
It is these principles that guide our participation in BRICS.
 
Together, the members of BRICS – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – make up a quarter of the global economy, they account for a fifth of global trade and are home to more than 40 per cent of the world’s population.
 
BRICS as a formation plays an important role in the world due to its economic power, market potential, political influence and development cooperation.
 
Yet the value of BRICS extends beyond its sheer size.
 
BRICS countries can collectively shape global dynamics, and acting together, have the potential to drive significant changes in the world economy and international relations.
 
Together, the BRICS members have used their collective voice to call for a world that is more equitable, balanced and governed by an inclusive system of global governance.
 
Being a BRICS member has created positive opportunities for South Africa.
 
It has enabled our country to have a strategic relationship with China.
 
Based on the strategic relationship between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China we will be signing several agreements during President Xi’s State visit.
 
We have steadily strengthened trade and investment ties with other BRICS countries alongside collaboration in areas like development, skills, technology, security and innovation.
 
South Africa has benefited from the New Development Bank, which was established by the BRICS countries in 2015.
 
Our country has been funded by the bank in several infrastructure projects to the value of R100 billion in sectors such as roads, water, transport and energy.
 
South Africa has always championed the interests of Africa within BRICS.
 
To further advance the African development agenda, more than 30 Heads of State and Government from across Africa will be attending the summit.
 
We want to build a partnership between BRICS and Africa so that our continent can unlock opportunities for increased trade, investment and infrastructure development.
 
There are great opportunities for other BRICS countries to participate in the African Continental Free Trade Area by locating production and services in various countries on the African continent, including our own, by partnering with local companies and entrepreneurs.
 
The 15th BRICS Summit will discuss a number of issues including the important issue of the possible expansion of the membership of BRICS.
 
More than 20 countries have formally applied to join BRICS and several others have expressed an interest in becoming part of the BRICS family.
 
South Africa supports the expansion of the membership of BRICS.
 
The value of BRICS extends beyond the interests of its current members.
 
For its efforts to be more effective, BRICS needs to build partnerships with other countries that share its aspirations and perspectives.
 
An expanded BRICS will represent a diverse group of nations with different political systems that share a common desire to have a more balanced global order.
 
In addition to the other African leaders in attendance, we will also be welcoming leaders from several countries of the Global South.
 
These include countries from the Caribbean and South America, from the Middle East, from West Asia, South Asia and South-East Asia.
 
This BRICS Summit is particularly important as it is being held as the world is confronted by fundamental challenges that are bound to determine the course of international events for years to come.
 
Our world has become increasingly complex and fractured as it is increasingly polarised into competing camps.
 
Multilateralism is being replaced by the actions of different power blocs, all of which we trade with, invest with, and whose technology we use.
 
It is for this reason that South Africa continues to advocate for an open and rules-based global governance, trade, financial and investment system. It must be a system that does not depend on the exercise of power or unilateralism, but by the advancement of the interests of the peoples of the world.
 
It is in this rules base system that we seek to advance African prosperity and industrialisation. We seek to change the rules to be fairer but ultimately we want to promote an open system of economic and political relations.
 
Amid all these challenges, Africa remains at the centre of our foreign policy.
 
We are firmly committed to strengthening the African Union so that it increases its capacity to support the achievement of greater integration on the continent.
 
We are working towards the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which is set to eliminate trade barriers, boost intra African trade and achieve prosperity for all of Africa.
 
It will also accelerate manufacturing and industrial capacity on our continent.
 
The vibrant trading Africa we seek to build depends on Africa being stable and peaceful.
 
For Africa to thrive, we must silence the guns.
 
We continue to work within the African Union to end several ongoing conflicts on the continent and restore constitutional and democratic government to countries that have recently experienced coups.
 
South Africa is directly involved in a number of efforts to bring peace to Africa.
 
We are currently involved in supporting the people of Mozambique and the DRC to ensure that there is peace and stability in their countries.
 
The administration I have the honour to lead has been devoted to attracting greater trade and investment into South Africa.
 
Every visit we make to countries on our continent and across the world and every visit by heads of state from other countries focuses on strengthening economic ties.
 
When a foreign leader visits our country for a state visit, they are usually accompanied by a business delegation. We are usually accompanied by South African companies when we travel to other countries.
 
The Business Forums that are held during these visits result in greater trade, investment and business partnerships.
 
To further strengthen economic ties between African countries and the United States, South Africa is inviting more than 30 African trade ministers and senior US Administration and Congressional representatives to the next forum of the African Growth and Opportunity Act – AGOA – scheduled for November this year.
 
As part of our ongoing relationship with the countries of the European Union, we will hold the European Union-South Africa Summit later this year in South Africa to foster our investment and trade relations.
 
Recent trade statistics indicate the success of all our international links.
 
Within the first three months of this year, we exported R450 billion worth of goods in the mining, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors. Our biggest exports were to China, followed by the United States, Germany, Japan, and then India.
 
Exports to other African countries account for around a quarter of the value of all our exports.
 
Our tourism industry is recovering well from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
More than 4 million tourist arrivals were recorded in the first half of this year, almost twice as many arrivals as in the same period last year.
 
Companies across the globe have established new or expanded ventures in our country in sectors as diverse as energy, mining, vehicle production, the creative sector, manufacturing and many others.
 
For every rand we attract, jobs are created and sustained.
 
Our country is committed to a policy of non-alignment.
 
We have resisted pressure to align ourselves with any one of the global powers or with influential blocs of nations.
 
During the ‘Cold War’, the stability and sovereignty of many African countries was undermined because of their alignment with the major powers.
 
This experience has convinced us of the need to seek strategic partnerships with other countries rather than be dominated by any other country.
 
While some of our detractors prefer overt support for their political and ideological choices, we will not be drawn into a contest between global powers.
 
Instead, our country strives to work with all countries for global peace and development.
 
It is for this reason that South Africa is a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, a forum of 120 countries that are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc.
 
Our decision not to align with any one of the global powers does not mean that we are neutral on matters of principle and national interest.
 
Our non-aligned position exists alongside our active support for the struggles of the oppressed and marginalised in different parts of the world.
 
We have always believed that the freedom we won – and the international solidarity from which we benefited – imposes a duty on us is to support the struggles of those who continue to experience colonialism and racial oppression.
 
That is why we will continue to support the struggles of the people of Palestine and Western Sahara.
 
We are fully committed to the articles of the United Nations Charter, including the principle that all members shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means.
 
Most recently, we participated in the African initiative to seek peace in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
 
Through this African Peace Initiative our country continues to be involved in processes to ensure that children who were removed from their homes in Ukraine are returned to their families and that prisoners of war are exchanged.
 
We continue to be involved in the talks regarding the reopening of the Black Sea to facilitate the flow of grain.
 
We firmly believe that dialogue, mediation and diplomacy is the only viable path to end the current conflict and achieve a durable peace.
 
We support the principle of respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states and peoples.
 
In the midst of the grave challenges facing humanity, we are determined that a reformed and representative United Nations must be at the centre of global affairs.
 
Our support for the United Nations exists alongside our firm belief that this premier multilateral institution needs genuine reform to make it more democratic, representative and efficient.
 
The United Nations Security Council must be transformed into a more inclusive, more effective body that is able to ensure peace and security. 
 
We are pleased that the UN Secretary General Mr Antonio Guterres will attend the BRICS Summit at our invitation. 

South Africa, as a member of the community of nations, will continue to play a constructive role in world affairs.
 
In 2025, South Africa will assume the presidency of the G20 group of nations.
 
This will be the first time that G20 meetings will be hosted in Africa.
 
The G20 Summit in 2025 will be an opportunity for South Africa to take a lead on critical challenges facing the global community.
 
South Africa’s approach to foreign relations is to seek increased collaboration, to secure greater trade opportunities and increased investment, and to work closely with partners across the globe to entrench peace and democracy.
 
As we continue to define our place in the world, as we advance the needs of our people, we will continue to mobilise all our moral, political and economic strength on the side of peace and development for all of humanity.
 
We will continue our efforts to give effect to the call of the Freedom Charter that “There shall be peace and friendship”.
 
As the week begins tomorrow, the streets of our country will be hubs of activity as visitors from various countries will be our guests.
 
Let us welcome them and give them the warmth and hospitality that we are known for.
 
A number of them may choose to stay for a few days beyond the summit to visit the various beautiful parts of our country.
 
I call on all of us to show them the very best of South African Ubuntu.
 
I thank you.

The Presidency has noted the completion of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Phala Phala investigation and the subsequent findings.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - 082 835 6315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The President of the Republic of South Africa and Chair of BRICS, His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa, will announce the outcomes of the XV BRICS Summit on Thursday, 24 August 2023, at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg. 

For XV BRICS Summit accredited media only.

Date: Thursday, 24 August 2023
Time: 8h45 
Venue: Media to converge at the Media Centre Level -2 by 07h30

For media logistics enquiries, contact Nelson Kgwete on 076 431 3078 and Terrence Manase on 082 338 6707.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - 082 835 6315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will later today, 24 August 2023, Co-Chair the China-Africa Leaders Round Table along with His Excellency President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China after the 15th BRICS Summit.

The theme for the Roundtable is “Promoting African Integration and Jointly Building a High-Level Africa-China Community with a Shared Future”. The initiative to hold the Roundtable was made by the Government of China.

The current Chairs of the eight Regional Economic Communities (RECs) of Africa are expected to participate, including the Chair of the African Union; the Chair of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation; and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

The expected outcomes of the China-Africa Leaders Roundtable dialogue will be to further heighten and reiterate Chinese political commitment to regional and continental integration, with a focus on supporting Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.

The various Chairs of the RECs would also have the opportunity to frontload developmental challenges in their respective regions and engage with the Chinese Head of State and Government on how China could further support regional economic growth.

As Co-Chair of the event, President Ramaphosa will have the opportunity to actively steer the political discussions and ensure that key messages on African development are conveyed to the Chinese authorities as a key development player on the Continent. 

President Ramaphosa will also advocate for the following key address:

• Highlighting the importance of China-South Africa bilateral relations, against the backdrop of the successfully concluded 4th State Visit, in supporting the African Agenda;

• Contextualising the conclusion and outcomes of the BRICS Summit (and the related theme on African development) to the discussions of the Roundtable, moving forward;

• Drawing in the FOCAC process as the principal multilateral engagement between Africa and China, and making the relevant linkages to support the Second Ten Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063 and calling for joint monitoring and evaluation;

• Highlighting the importance of the transformative nature of infrastructural development on the African Continent and linking future FOCAC support to the North-South Corridor projects of the Presidential Infrastructure Championing Initiative (PICI); 

• Stressing the key priority areas of development as Africa moves into the second decade of Agenda 2063, inclusive of calling for specific Chinese support for the full operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA);

• Calling for greater cooperation in international affairs and multilateral institutions, inclusive of upholding the UN-based global system and UN Security Council Reform aimed at overall African development

At the conclusion of the Roundtable, it is envisaged that a Joint Statement will be adopted by the participating Heads of State and Government. 

Note to media: Due to restricted space at the venue of the China-Africa Leaders Roundtable Dialogue, a media pool is in place. 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - 082 835 6315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Presidential Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, will today, 03 August 2023, update the public, through a media briefing, on the President’s public programme for the next two weeks.  

Members of the media are invited as follows:

Date: Thursday, 03 August 2023
Time: 15h15 (Media to arrive at 14h45)
Venue: Media Centre, Union Buildings, Pretoria 
 
RSVP: Members of the media wishing to attend the media briefing physically are requested to submit their details to Hlobisile Nkosi – hlobisile@presidency.gov.za by midday, 12h00. 

Media following remotely can text their questions to 079 898 4621. The media briefing will be streamed live and the link will be shared prior. 
 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - +27 82 835 6315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

PUBLIC PROGRAMME OF THE PRESIDENT 

6 August 2023 - Closing Ceremony of the Netball World Cup 2023

At the invitation of the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Hon. Zizi Kodwa, President Cyril Ramaphosa will attend and address the Closing Ceremony of the Netball World Cup 2023 on Sunday, 06 August 2023.

The President is particularly pleased with the gallant effort and competitive display shown by the National Netball Team, The Spar Proteas. The successful hosting of the Netball World Cup 2023 has once again affirmed South Africa’s endowment with world-class destinations that can host the world for any global showpiece.  

9 August 2023 - Women's Day Celebrations, Khayelitsha, Cape Town

As South Africa observes Women’s Month in August, President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 09 August 2023, deliver the keynote address at the Women’s Day national commemorative event to be held at the Khayelitsha Rugby Stadium, in the Western Cape. 

Women’s Month 2023 will be commemorated under the overarching theme: “Accelerating socio-economic opportunities for empowerment of women”. 
Every year, we observe this month to pay tribute to the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against Pass Laws. 

This year marks 67 years since the watershed 1956 women’s march which was one of the largest demonstrations staged in the country’s history. It was underpinned by the adoption of the Women’s Charter of 1954.

For President Ramaphosa, is it quite fitting that as we celebrate Women’s Month and are reminded of the heroics of the brave women that shaped our struggle for freedom, we are witnessing the boldness of the Women’s National Football Team, Banyana Banyana. Without a professional league and big sponsors, Banyana Banyana, have risen to conquer our continent and they are now making their mark on the world stage. The President calls on the leadership of the sport and those associated with the game to ensure that the equal pay for equal work principle is adhered to in football and in all women’s sports.   

11 August 2023 - District Development Model Presidential Imbizo, Chris Hani District Municipality, Eastern Cape

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 11 August 2023, interact with the community of Chris Hani District in Eastern Cape Province during the 9th District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo as a continuous Government programme that seeks to ensure an integrated, district-based service delivery approach that fast tracks service delivery. 

The President will be concluding the first round of the District Development Model Presidential Imbizo in the Eastern Cape Province, after interacting with communities across all provinces since March 2022. 

The community engagement will take place at the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality (Ward 8), Tsomo Town, Chris Hani District, Eastern Cape. 

17 August 2023 - SADC Summit, Luanda, Angola

President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a working visit to Luanda in the Republic of Angola to attend the 43rd Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government, which takes place on 17 August 2023. The Summit will take place under the theme “Human and Financial capital: The Key Drivers for Sustainable Industrialisation in the SADC Region”. 

This Ordinary SADC Summit will be preceded by the Organ Troika on Politics, Defense and Security Summit, for which South Africa is the outgoing chair, on 16 August 2023. 

The Troika is responsible for the promotion of peace and security in the SADC region. 

22 August 2023 - Incoming China State Visit

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on 22 August 2023, welcome his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping to South Africa for a State Visit, which will be hosted at the Union Buildings. Over and above formal talks aimed at strengthening bilateral relations with China, there will be a number of memorandums of agreement that will be signed on the day. 

31 August 2023 - SAPS Biology Section with DNA Analysis

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on 31 August 2023 officiate the opening of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Biology Section with DNA Analysis within the Forensic Science Laboratory in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape Province.

The expansion of the laboratory will include the installation of advanced equipment to analyse DNA, which will address the backlog experienced in the analysis of DNA and the fight against crime, especially Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

President extends condlences on the passing of Former President Henri Konan Bédié of Côte d’Ivoire

President Cyril Ramaphosa has, on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, extended condolences to the Bédié family, the Government and the people of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, following the passing of the former Ivorian President, Mr Henri Konan Bédié.

Mr Bédié served as the Ivorian President from 1993 until 1999.

A visit by former President Bédié to South Africa in September 1998 was the first by an Ivorian Head of State. Through the visit, deeper relations between the two countries were forged.

President Ramaphosa said: “We send our deepest condolences to the family of former President Bédié and to the people of Côte d’Ivoire in general. We mourn with them and share in their loss.”

The passing of former President Bédié comes at a time when the African continent is faced with great challenges which require continental cooperation and unity to advance the goals of the African Union for peace, security, and development.

It is therefore imperative that Cote d'Ivoire and South Africa work together to bring peace and stability to the continent.

Advancing South Africa's international interests - Working Visit to the Russian Federation

President Cyril Ramaphosa concluded a successful working visit to the Russian Federation where, together with Leaders of African countries, a clear call for tangible and mutually beneficial and effective cooperation between Russia and the countries of the African Continent was made, during the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit, which took place in the country's cultural capital, St. Petersburg.

President Ramaphosa welcomed the Summit Declaration that included cooperation in a number of strategic areas, including Science and Technology, Energy, Trade and Investments, and Defense and Security Cooperation. The President highlighted the importance of a monitoring and evaluation mechanism that will assess the level and pace of implementation of the Summit commitments. 

President Ramaphosa concluded his working visit to Russia with a meeting at the Konstantinovsky Palace where the two Presidents discussed South Africa and Russia’s bilateral relationship, which is built on strategic partnerships in several areas of cooperation, including energy, industry, and agriculture. 

The discussions further sought to strengthen the two countries’ cooperation in the areas of education, science and technology, with a particular focus on space and satellite technology development. 

Joint Statement issued following the engagement between the Leaders of the African Peace Initiative and the President of the Russian Federation

On 28 July 2023, in Saint-Petersburg, the leaders of the seven countries leading the African Peace Initiative and the President of the Russian Federation continued their discussion on the African Peace Initiative, which they started on 17 June 2023.

African Leaders attending the meeting on 28 July 2023 were:

- President Azali Assoumani of the Comoros in his capacity as Chair of the African Union
- President Cyril Ramaphosa of the Republic of South Africa
- President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo
- President Abdel Fattah-el Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt
- President Macky Sall of the Republic of Senegal
- President Yoweri  Museveni of the Republic of Uganda
- Foreign Minister of Zambia, Stanley  Kakubo.

The Leaders recognised progress achieved since then on proposals they discussed at the first meeting on 17 June 2023 on humanitarian issues, in particular, related to the rights of children in areas of armed activities and prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, and agreed that humanitarian efforts would continue to bring further results.

The Leaders called for specific steps to remove obstacles to Russian grain and fertilizer exports, thus allowing the resumption of the full implementation of the Black Sea package initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General as endorsed on 22 July 2022 in Istanbul.

The Leaders also called upon the United Nations to take necessary action in order to release 200 thousand tons of Russian fertilizer blocked in European Union seaports for immediate and free delivery to African countries.

The Leaders agreed to continue their dialogue on the African Peace Initiative so that a door to peace can be opened.

Telephone call with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

On Wednesday, 2 August 2023, President Cyril Ramaphosa held a telephone discussion with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada. The Prime Minister expressed his deep appreciation for the 600 South African firefighters that demonstrated excellence and diligence during their support in extinguishing the wild fires that ravaged parts of Canada. In turn, Prime Minister Trudeau offered Canada’s support in the event South Africa experiences any form of disaster in the near future. 

The Prime Minister also expressed his appreciation for South Africa’s contribution to the African Peace Initiative to Russia and Ukraine, and committed his support to search for a peaceful solution to the conflict. Both leaders agreed to continue their bilateral cooperation and to further collaborate in 2025, when Canada hosts the G7 summit, while South Africa will be hosting the G20.

Lady R Panel Investigation

The Panel concluded its investigations on 18 July 2023 in accordance with the established deadline. The panel received a late submission, which caused a minor delay. However, the Chair of the panel did not request a deadline extension. On Friday, 4 August 2023, the report will be completed and will be ready to be handed to the President as soon as his schedule permits. Following the President’s consumption of the report, he will decide on the actions to be followed and on the aspects of the report that will be made public. 
 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - +27 82 835 6315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa wishes Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi a speedy recovery.

Prince Buthelezi has been unwell and is hospitalised in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

President Ramaphosa has communicated with the Buthelezi family, who have briefed him about Prince Buthelezi’s health condition.

The President has expressed his well wishes and conveyed that his heartfelt prayers are with Prince Buthelezi and the family. 
 

Media enquires: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President, 082 835 6315
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

• The partnership between the South African Government and business has mobilised teams to start delivering meaningful progress toward South Africa’s economic growth
• Key actions have been agreed to urgently accelerate progress across the priority focal areas of energy, transport and logistics, and crime and corruption 

The South African Presidency, various Government departments, Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), Business for South Africa (B4SA), and Business Leadership South Africa today announced that progress has been made within the key focal areas of energy, transport and logistics, and crime and corruption, in order to grow the economy and restore investor and public confidence. 

In a meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa, members of Cabinet and senior business leaders, Government and business agreed that we have a window of opportunity to urgently implement initiatives in these priority focal areas to reverse the economic downturn and rebuild confidence in the country’s trajectory.

President Ramaphosa commented, “This collaboration is built on the recognition that we need to take bold and urgent action to confront these challenges and place South Africa on a trajectory of growth and job creation. It is built on a shared vision for our country – as a thriving constitutional democracy in which the rule of law is sacrosanct, as a dynamic and fast-growing economy, and as a society in which no person is left behind. We welcome the emphasis on strategic partnerships and focused interventions, which has enabled us to make significant progress in a short space of time”.

After the first year of the implementation of the National Energy Crisis Committee's (NECOM’s) Energy Action Plan (EAP), significant progress has been made on key objectives, including a focused plan to end load shedding, numerous regulatory reforms and streamlining of regulatory approvals as well as implementing key steps to rapidly increase private sector investment in energy.

Business’ support has been mobilised in critical areas, including Eskom technical support on optimising the diesel supply chain at Ankerlig, supporting the return of additional units at Kusile and supporting four key power stations to assist Power Station managers with turnaround plans at those facilities. 

Business technical teams are working through NECOM to assist the planning and implementation of key energy reforms, including planning for efficient Grid access and expansion. All these interventions aim to recover c.5.4GW over the next 12 months.

“We are pleased with the progress we have made in ensuring that a block exemption has been granted from certain terms of the Competition Act, to both energy suppliers and users. This will enable greater collaboration between competitors on specific energy matters. Government has also launched the One Stop Shop which is an important step to streamline and assist with regulatory approvals, and bring GW’s onto the grid as soon as possible,” said Hon. Ebrahim Patel, Minister of Trade and Industry and Competition.

The National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC) has been formally constituted with participation from relevant government departments, Transnet and business. Four Corridor Recovery Teams have been established focusing on strategic commodity export supply chains in coal, iron ore, manganese, chrome and magnetite to jointly address performance constraints.

An additional Container Corridor Recovery team is being constituted with representatives from all major shipping lines, agriculture and automotive sectors. A significant milestone was achieved with the appointment by Transnet of an international terminal operator to partner in the Durban Pier 2 container terminal.

The Joint Initiative against Crime and Corruption (JICC) has also been constituted, with senior representatives from law enforcement agencies and business. Business Against Crime South Africa (BACSA) is being established as an independent structure and will co-ordinate the interface with Government. A special purpose vehicle for establishing digital and data forensic capabilities for the NPA – on an arm’s length basis - is being set up.

Initiatives to support the SAPS to aid crime detection and response have been identified, including optimising the 10111 help line. These initiatives are governed by a clear framework and guidelines to ensure that this support respects and enhances the independence of the criminal justice system. 

The progress that is being made has led to over 115 leading CEOs already signing a pledge to support the country and assist in realising its vast potential, and ultimately enable increased investment, growth and employment. More CEOs and their companies are committing every day.

Adrian Gore, Group CEO of Discovery and Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) Vice President commented, “What makes this CEO commitment different is that it isn’t simply a pledge, but a broad group of business leaders from multiple industries and sectors, actively involved in the various focal areas, who have offered resources and capacity to assist. This, coupled with active engagement by key decision makers within Government is what makes this intervention different.” 

Cas Coovadia, CEO of BUSA emphasised the importance of adhering to established timeframes and achieving deliverables for each priority area: “The focus is on achieving agreed targets and improving performance in key action areas. If we neglect or delay critical decisions needed to accelerate our much-needed growth ambitions to build the economy and tackle poverty, inequality and unemployment, there will be many more years of challenge, frustration and despondency. We need to act, together, with immediate urgency”.   

Research conducted by PWC and Sanlam demonstrates that if progress is made within the three focal areas, they are likely to make a contribution to GDP of at least at 3%. A higher rate of economic growth is essential to create meaningful jobs – the majority of which (88%) are within the private sector. 

In order to build on the progress made thus far, the meeting agreed on a number of critical next steps to restore confidence. These include the following:

• Working to expedite the passage of the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill within the Sixth Parliament, following its tabling in the National Assembly on 20 July 2023. The ERA Bill is crucial to ending load shedding, expediting energy development, expanding transmission infrastructure, establishing a competitive electricity market, and attracting investment in the energy sector.

• Completing the establishment of the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA). This is necessary to create a level playing field for electricity generators and enable increased investment in transmission infrastructure.

• Fully operationalizing the One Stop Shop to fast-track renewable energy projects. This includes ensuring that adequate capacity and systems are in place to facilitate authorisations for energy projects and reduce lead times to construction.

• Finalising the Freight Logistics Roadmap. This will outline the short and long term actions to support operational recovery and fundamentally reform the logistics system. Implementation of the roadmap will be coordinated by a dedicated work stream of the NLCC, focused on structural reform. Implementation of these actions could increase export revenues by an estimated R50 billion by 2024. It is expected that a draft roadmap will be agreed by the end of August 2023, with the objective of Cabinet approval by September 2023.

• Addressing procurement challenges and putting in place a fit-for-purpose procurement regime for state-owned enterprises. This is necessary to enable greater speed and efficiency while preserving and strengthening the integrity of the procurement system.

• Finalising the NPA Amendment Bill to establish the Investigating Directorate (ID) as a permanent entity within the National Prosecuting Authority with investigating powers. This is a key commitment of the response to the State Capture Commission of Inquiry, and will bolster the independence and capability of the ID to fight complex corruption-related crimes. The NPA Amendment Bill will be approved by Cabinet and tabled in Parliament by the end of August 2023 to give effect to this goal.

• Operationalising the Joint Initiative on Crime and Corruption. The JICC is being operationalised, including identifying clear focus areas and establishing appropriate structures to facilitate support.

B4SA SteerCo Chair, Martin Kingston, added, “This national response has started well, and has again highlighted the opportunity to harness the resources and goodwill of all groups in society. There is still much to be done and many specific interventions to be agreed and urgently, and properly, implemented. Added momentum and impetus will be provided by harnessing the combined skills, expertise and other resources of the business community, which we firmly believe will help reset the country’s economic and social path. South Africa no longer has the benefit of time to address these issues and all B4SA workstreams will continue to focus on urgently driving the immediate, rational and pragmatic choices to guide our collective actions, ultimately to achieve economic restoration and sustainable, inclusive growth for all South Africans”.

“Another vital component to the collaboration between business and government is the ongoing enablement of small and medium sized businesses, which are at the coal face of some of the challenges we are seeking to resolve. We need to enhance funding and access to market support as an instrument for job creation. Recognising the importance of SMMEs and the informal economy in this regard, further work is being undertaken to identify what we can do to support their growth,” said Hon. Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, Minister of Small Business.

“I look forward to receiving further progress reports on the work that is underway in each of these areas, and to identifying the critical next steps that we need to take to consolidate our efforts. As we do so, we must not neglect the importance of putting forward a coherent and consistent public narrative to restore confidence in our economy. Without minimising the steep challenges that we face, we must respond to the relentless negativity about our country which has become a self-fulfilling prophecy. We must be realistic about the depth of these challenges, while recognising the extraordinary potential of our country and our economy if we work together to overcome them,” said President  Ramaphosa.

Media enquiries:

The Presidency:
Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa - +27 82 835 6315

Business for South Africa:
Julian Gwillim, Aprio - julian@aprio.co.za / +27 82 452 4389
Esme Arendse, Arpio - esme@aprio.co.za / +27 82 694 7643

Note to editors:  

About Business Unity South Africa (BUSA): BUSA is a leading business organisation that represents the interests of South African business, covering major sectors and industrial groupings. BUSA aims to create an enabling environment for business success and economic growth in the country by engaging with government, labour unions, and civil society. 

About Business for South Africa (B4SA): B4SA is a BUSA platform, bringing together key South African business leaders to address urgent national challenges and drive economic recovery. B4SA focuses on key priority areas and works in close collaboration with government counterparts to find innovative solutions and create a positive impact for all South Africans.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will attend the final match of the Netball World Cup 2023 and deliver brief remarks at the Closing Ceremony of the competition in Cape Town on Sunday, 06 August 2023.

South Africa has been the first African host of this global tournament which has been staged at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

President Ramaphosa has commended South Africa’s national team, the Spar Proteas, on their gallant progress through the pool stage of the tournament.

President Ramaphosa said: “As the host nation, we have been honoured to welcome players and supporters from all over the globe and we look forward to an exciting final and the successful conclusion of the tournament.

“Of course we encourage our guests to extend their stay and be inspired in new ways by the many amazing experiences South Africa has to offer.”

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – 082 835 6315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The Presidency invites all South Africans to use August, as the final month for nominations for National Orders, to identify persons nationally and globally who have served the nation or attained personal achievement in exceptional ways.
 
National Orders are the highest awards that a country, through its President, bestows on its citizens and eminent foreign nationals.
 
The President as the fount (holder, cradle, main source) of honour in the country bestows these Orders and Decorations and is assisted by the Director-General in The Presidency, who is the Chancellor of National Orders and an Advisory Council on National Orders, in the execution of this responsibility.
 
The Chancellor of National Orders, Ms Phindile Baleni, calls on citizens to make nominations for National Orders as part of sustaining the integrity, inclusiveness and diversity of this institution of social cohesion and nation-building.
 
Ms Baleni said: “The National Orders are a platform for the recognition of fellow South Africans and persons globally who, in exceptional ways, have historically made or are currently making important or interesting contributions to all aspects of our national life.
 
“From politics to popular culture, as well as the recognition of bravery, the National Orders give us an opportunity annually to be inspired by and grateful for people who have done outstanding things to shape our past and our future.
 
“We therefore invite people from all walks of life and backgrounds – including the youth of our country - to identify from their communities and sectors persons who, on the basis of exceptional achievements or contributions, deserve the honour of a National Order.”
 
The birth of a non-racial and non-sexist democracy in South Africa in 1994 necessitated a review of the system of National Orders.
 
A review was conducted from May 1998 by the newly-instituted President's Advisory Council on National Orders and the Orders were progressively instituted in 2002 and 2003.
 
The Order of Mapungubwe is awarded to South African citizens for excellence and exceptional achievement.
 
The Order of the Baobab is awarded to South African citizens for distinguished service. The service awarded is well above and beyond the ordinary call of duty. It is an award for exceptional and distinguished contributions in the following categories: business and the economy: science, medicine and technological innovation, and community service.
 
The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo is awarded to foreign nationals (Heads of State and Government) and other foreign dignitaries. It is awarded for friendship shown to South Africa. It is therefore an order of peace, co-operation and active expression of solidarity and support. The Order constitutes an essential pillar of international and multilateral relations.
 
The Order of Luthuli is awarded to South Africans who have made a meaningful contribution to the struggle for democracy, human rights, nation-building, justice and peace, and conflict resolution.
 
The Order of Ikhamanga is awarded to South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.
 
The Mendi Decoration for Bravery is awarded to South African citizens who have performed an extraordinary act of bravery that placed their lives in great danger, or who lost their own lives including in trying to save the life of another person, or by saving property, in or outside the Republic of South Africa.
 
Nomination forms that outline simple guidelines to proposers of nominees can be downloaded at https://www.thepresidency.gov.za/download/file/fid/2785
 
Submissions must include:
• an introductory paragraph with a summary of the nominee’s achievements
• a list of exceptional milestones reached by the nominee in his/her career and/or international arena, and
• a description of the exceptional, outstanding, dedicated service or act of bravery rendered by the nominee.
 
The closing date for nominations: 31 August 2023.
 
Details of the annual National Orders Ceremony will be provided at a later date.
 
Email: nominations@presidency.gov.za
Fax: 086 646 5373
 
Postal address: The Chancery of Orders, Private Bag X1000, Pretoria, 0001 Delivery address: Chancery of Orders, The Presidency, Room 225, East Wing.
 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – 082 835 6315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria