President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sadness at the passing of Imam Achmad Cassiem, former Robben Island prisoner, Pan Africanist Congress member and founding member of the Qibla Movement.

Imam Cassiem passed away on Friday 17 July 2023, at the age of 78.

President Ramaphosa extends his condolences to the family, friends, comrades and associates internationally of the late political and religious leader who hailed from the Western Cape.

As a teenager, Achmad Cassiem was politically conscientised by the Pan Africanist Congress’s campaign against apartheid pass laws, motivating him to join the armed struggle at the age of 15.

He was a high school learner when he and his teacher, Sadiq Isaacs, were arrested for sabotage, detained and charged under the Sabotage Act.

His was handed a five-year sentence, which caused him to become one of the youngest prisoners on Robben Island.

Upon his release, he was issued with a banning order, which he defied to remain politically active, including his role in the establishment in 1979 of the Qibla Movement to promote and defend Islam in South Africa.

He was detained again for an extended period after mobilising learners during a protracted class boycott in 1980 and was later charged under the Terrorism Act for facilitating military training and infiltration into South Africa for Qibla fighters who had been trained in Libya.

Years after arrest for this action, Achmad Cassiem was sentenced to six years in prison, which was cut short his release in 1991, following the unbanning of liberation organisations.

In later years, he served as National Chairperson of the Islamic Unity Convention and as advisor to the Islam Human Rights Commission.

President Ramaphosa said: “Imam Cassiem lived a life of courage, principle and faith in mobilising communities on the Cape Flats and around the country against apartheid.

“Imprisonment, confinement to his home in Hanover Park and repeated harassment and detention by the apartheid security machine failed to extinguish the flame of resistance and revolution that burned in his being and which he ignited in everyone he inspired as an activist.

“We are joined by supporters of our Struggle in Libya, Iran and other nations who had an impact on Imam Cassiem who in turn, had an impact on them.

“We are grateful for his life and wish him eternal, peaceful rest.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Ramaphosa had a telephone conversation with President Vladimir Putin today following the call the President had with UNSG Antonio Guterres about the ongoing negotiations between Russia and the UN about the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

The discussions also revolved around the African Leaders Peace Mission and the need for a permanent and sustainable solution to the movement of grain from Russia and Ukraine to the international markets. 

As part of ongoing engagements on the conflict in Ukraine and the Black Sea Grain Initiative , President Ramaphosa also held a telephone discussion with  President Zelenskyy on Thursday,  13 July 2023. 

President Ramaphosa will have further discussions with both leaders and the UN Secretary General about these matters.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 19 July 2023, sign into law the South African Sign Language Bill during a ceremony at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.  

On 02 May 2023, the National Assembly approved that Section 6 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 be amended to include South African Sign Language (SASL) as an official language to promote the rights of persons who are deaf and hard of hearing.

The recognition of South African Sign Language (SASL) as the 12th official language is an important step towards the realisation of the rights of persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.

South African Sign Language is an indigenous language that constitutes an important element of South African linguistic and cultural heritage. It has its own distinct grammatical structures and lexicon and it is independent of any other language.

The new legislation seeks to:

• Advance the cultural acceptance of SASL; 
• Ensure the realisation of the rights of persons who are deaf and hard of hearing to equal protection and benefit of the law and human dignity; and 
• Promote inclusive and substantive equality and prevent or eliminate unfair discrimination on the grounds of disability, as guaranteed by Section 9 of the Constitution.

With this initiative, South Africa becomes the fourth country on the African continent to recognise sign language as an official language; other countries are Kenya, Zimbabwe and Uganda. 

The signing ceremony is scheduled as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 19 July 2023
Time: 15h00 – 16h00 (Media to arrive at 14h00)
Venue: Media Centre, Union Buildings

Members of the media interested in covering the South African Sign Language Bill signing ceremony are invited to submit their details to Makungu Mbetse on Makungu@presidency.gov.za and Khutjo Sebata on Khutjo@presidency.gov.za / 079 898 4621 by no later than 14h00 on Tuesday, 18 July 2023.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Your Excellency, President Vladimir Putin,
Your Excellency, President Azali Assoumani, Chair of the African Union and President of the Comoros,
Your Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chair of the African Union Commission
Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government,
Ministers,
Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
Allow me to begin by thanking you, President Putin, as well as the government and people of the Russian Federation for receiving us here in St Petersburg.
 
Nearly three years ago in the city of Sochi, we pledged as leaders of African states and as the Russian Federation to cooperate in a manner that is mutually beneficial and that serves the interests of our peoples.
 
In the intervening years we have experienced strong geopolitical and economic crosswinds. We continue to count the human cost of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our economies.
 
As South Africa we are greatly encouraged by the Russian Federation’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the nations of Africa.
 
This is important as we chart a new course for economic recovery, growth and reconstruction, and strive to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
 
As South Africa, we remember with deep gratitude how the support of the people and the government of the then-Soviet Union sustained our struggle for liberation.
 
Today our bilateral relationship remains strong. We continue to collaborate in the political, economic, social, defence and security spheres. We work closely across multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, G20 and as members of BRICS.
 
As South Africa, our participation in forums such as this one is guided by our quest to realise the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision of economic integration and inclusive socio-economic development.
 
South Africa will shortly be hosting the 15th BRICS Summit.
 
We see this Summit as an opportunity to promote enhanced global cooperation to achieve common prosperity for all the nations of Africa.
 
The BRICS partners are significant investors in Africa.
 
The upcoming summit will therefore give particular attention to infrastructure development, supported by the New Development Bank, and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
 
The African Continental Free Trade Area, once fully operational, will unlock the benefits of the continental market and generate mutually beneficial opportunities for both African and BRICS countries.
 
As African countries we are shaping own destinies, as nation states and as a continent.
 
Our substantial resources are being harnessed first and foremost for Africa’s benefit, to grow African economies and to pursue sustainable development.
 
We seek reciprocal trade and investment, and for the goods, products and services from Africa to compete on an equal footing in the global economy.
 
Respect and mutual benefit underpin our international relations.
 
African countries should, as sovereign states, be able to pursue independent foreign policy approaches that are not beholden to any of the major global powers or blocs.
 
This second Russia-Africa Summit is an opportunity to further enhance and strengthen international cooperation and partnership for Africa’s development.
 
We welcome the focus on further cooperation between Russia and Africa to promote investment, facilitate the development of value chains and boost capacity to produce and export manufactured products.
 
The proposed Russia-Africa Action Plan for the coming years should align with the second Ten-Year Implementation Plan of the AU’s Agenda 2063. This will ensure better coherence and more action-orientated interventions.
 
We should also ensure joint monitoring and evaluation of the Action Plan. We need to jointly allocate the necessary funding for implementation and be accountable for concrete deliverables.
 
Geopolitical tensions are negatively affecting countries across Africa.
 
As part of Russia-Africa cooperation we must repeat our call for existing global institutional mechanisms to be both strengthened and reformed. Greater participation of countries of the Global South will promote inclusiveness and engender trust.
 
In this regard, the reform of the multilateral financial institutions and the UN Security Council remains a priority.
 
In our interconnected world, we are all affected by conflict and instability in other parts of the world.
 
We have a responsibility as nations to work for peace, to support peacebuilding and to lend our every effort to bring an end to conflict and war.
 
As South Africa, we are steadfast in our position that negotiation, dialogue and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter are necessary for the peaceful and just resolution of conflict.
 
It is our hope that constructive engagement and negotiation can bring about an end to the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine.
 
As South Africa our own history has taught us that this is indeed possible.
 
In conclusion, we look forward to this second Russia-Africa Summit playing a key role in supporting our objectives of African integration, economic growth, peace and common prosperity.
 
I thank you.
 

Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Mr. Zizi Kodwa, 
Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms. Sisisi Tolashe,
Deputy Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Mr John Jefferys 
CEO of the South African National Deaf Association, Mr Jabulani Blose
Representatives of the PAN South African Language Board,
Representative of DEAFSA and SANDA,  
Representatives of the Presidential Working Group on Disabilities
Members of the Deaf Community
South African Sign Language Experts and Interpreters,
Distinguished Guests, 
Ladies and Gentlemen,

We are gathered here this afternoon to witness a milestone in our democracy, the signing of a Constitutional Amendment to recognise Sign Language as the 12th official language of South Africa. 

On the 2nd of May 2023 Parliament voted for the Constitution Eighteenth Amendment Bill that amends Section 6 (1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

Today we are giving effect to that Amendment by signing the Bill into law.

Our Constitution enjoins on the state to take practical and positive measures to elevate the status and advance the use of the indigenous languages of the South African people. 

It further notes that that all official languages must enjoy parity of esteem and must be treated equitably.

We are also giving effect to the provision of the Bill of Rights that prohibits unfair discrimination on grounds such as disability, culture, race and gender.

South African Sign Language has served as an essential communication tool for our citizens living with disabilities, and this step will further empower the community.

By making sign language official, we aim to advance their rights to substantive equality, dignity and also their social inclusion.

To empower people to use their language is to affirm their humanity. 

This official recognition of Sign Language follows an intensive and extensive public consultation process.

A substantial number of submissions were made and considered very carefully to ensure that all issues were appropriately ventilated.

It has been a long road to get here. 

Having sign language recognised as an official language will address access to education, economic and other social opportunities as well as public participation.

People with hearing impairments will be able to also access more services, public information and a host other opportunities.  

Official recognition is just the beginning, much more work still needs to be done to support this language. 

It has to be standardised to collapse various geographical dialects into one standard official version which is the remit of the Pan South African Language Board. 

The fact that the first comprehensive electronic sign language dictionary has already been developed demonstrates the enthusiasm to develop this language. 

PanSALB has already convened its first workshop on lexical and grammatical standardisation and the recommendations of the report produced are currently being enacted.

The next standardisation workshop will convene in the last quarter of this financial year and will again include all relevant stakeholders.

It is reassuring therefore that even prior to this signing ceremony, processes to institutionalise sign language had already begun.  

The Department of Basic Education for example already provides teaching and learning for deaf learners.

Educators in schools are regularly undergoing training on sign language and we have learners who have completed matric using sign language.

Specialised schools for the deaf have to be increased in the country, factoring in geographic spread and need. They also have to be provided with qualified personnel.

It is also crucial that there are sign language interpreters to enable access to services for people who cannot hear or hear properly.  
 
For many years, lack of sign language interpreters at the courts, police stations, hospitals, clinics and many service centres or points has been compromising access to justice for victims of violence, including victims of gender-based violence and many other crimes.

Policies with fully resourced implementation plans are required to realize the Constitutional ideal of multilingualism.

Allow me to congratulate all stakeholders especially the DEAFSA and SANDA in line with the Disabled People of South Africa motto: “Nothing about us without us” - for all the efforts that they made to make this official recognition possible.

This includes the relevant Parliament Portfolio Committees involved, government departments, as well as every role-player on this great milestone in the history of South Africa. 

Yesterday we commemorated Nelson Mandela’s birthday. One of his most famous quotes was:
“I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.”

The signing into law of this Bill today, brings us all the closer to that ideal.

I thank you.

The Presidency welcomes the decision of the Johannesburg High Court ordering that the answering affidavit related to the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant matter be made public.

President Ramaphosa was never opposed to making the affidavits public; it was only in compliance with the ICC directive that the Presidency sought to maintain confidentiality on the affidavit.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed South Africa’s readiness to host the historic 15th Summit of BRICS nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. It will be the first BRICS Summit to be hosted in person since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent global restrictions. 

President Ramaphosa has in recent months and weeks held a number of consultations on the hosting of the Summit. The President’s most recent consultation in this regard took place last night, Tuesday, 18 July 2023, at the BRICS Political Party Dialogue in Gauteng.

The Summit will be attended by the leaders of Brazil, India, China and South Africa.

By mutual agreement, President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation will not attend the Summit but the Russian Federation will be represented by Foreign Minister, Mr Sergey Lavrov.

In due course, a comprehensive statement on the substantive issues to be covered at the Summit and other related foreign policy matters will be issued. 

President Ramaphosa is confident that the Summit will be a success and calls on the nation to extend the necessary hospitality to the many delegates who will arrive from various parts of the continent and the globe.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 21 July 2023, conduct an oversight visit to KwaZulu-Natal, to inspect water projects aimed at improving the provision of bulk water and the maintenance of bulk water infrastructure in the province.

The President will officially open the Darvill Wastewater Treatment Works and Sod Turning of the upgrade on the Phase 1 of the Vulindlela Bulk Water supply scheme.

The visit led by the Department of Water and Sanitation, will see the upgrading of the potable water schemes that will extend water services to communities of Vulindlela, west of Pietermaritzburg.

The upgrade of Phase 1 of the Vulindlela Bulk Water Supply Scheme will improve the availability and supply of drinking water to various communities in the uMgungundlovu District, including Msunduzi and the uMngeni Local Municipalities.

The upgrading of the scheme follows the growth of the population of Vulindlela over the past decade as well as the increased municipal demand for water. 

One of the key components of the Phase 1 upgrade will be the construction of a new reservoir to increase drinking water storage by an additional 20 mega litres per day to reach 35 mega litres per day.

The upgrades will also include the installation of new pipelines between different reservoirs and the construction of a new pump station to increase the supply of water and augmentation of power supply.

The Darvill Wastewater Treatment Works will expand treatment capacity of this plant, thereby providing the drive for further housing, business and industrial development within Msunduzi. It will also reduce the level of pollution of the Msunduzi River and improve the quality of water reaching the Inanda Dam.

The Department of Water and Sanitation together with the relevant operating entity, has recently completed the upgrade of the treatment plant which treats domestic and industrial sewage from areas within the Msunduzi Local Municipality’s jurisdiction from the treatment capacity of 65 mega litres per day to 100 mega litres per day.

The treatment plant upgrade has innovative technologies onsite for wastewater reclamation to drinking water standards and electricity cogeneration. The water treated to drinking standards is currently being used mainly for cleaning and sanitation purposes at the wastewater treatment site.

The upgrade of the Plant, has delivered significant benefits to the local community with close to 400 jobs created, as well as economic stimulation for Pietermaritzburg and parts of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. The estimated number of people who are set to benefit directly from the upgrade of the Darvill treatment plant is 700 000, through proper and effective effluent treatment.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr Senzo Mchunu and KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, along with several senior government officials in the province will conduct oversight inspections to these projects.

Following inspections, the leaders will deliver a progress report to the community through a community engagement programme.

The oversight visit will take place as follows:
PART A:
Visit to Darvill Wastewater Treatment plant
Time: 10h00

PART B:
Visit to Vulindlela Bulk Water scheme
Time: 11h45

PART C:
Community Engagement
Time: 12h30
Venue: Vulindlela Sports Ground, Vulindlela

For media accreditations and confirmations please contact Ms Lebogang Maseko on 083 661 7859/ masekoL2@dws.gov.za or Mr Siyabonga Maphumulo on 082 303 4243/ cmaphumulo@mhlathuze.co.za

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

Wisane Mabasa, Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation – 060 561 8935

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa chaired a meeting of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC) on Thursday 20 July 2023.  
 
PEAC members commended President Ramaphosa and other African leaders for the steps that have been taken to advocate and work for an end to the destabilising Ukraine-Russia war, maintaining that a return to peace would be in the economic interests of Africa and other parts of the world.
 
PEAC members further supported President Ramaphosa’s efforts in sending envoys to the United States and other G7 economies to clarify South Africa’s role in working for peace. The meeting recognised that as South Africa seeks to deepen economic ties with BRICS countries, the country must at the same time continue to strengthen bonds with historical trade and investment partners.
 
The PEAC members welcomed the progress that has been made in implementing the reforms and encouraged the President to continue driving the reform agenda across the electricity, water, rail, ports, telecoms and skills sectors to revive economic growth and create the millions of jobs that are needed.  
 
It was reiterated that these economic reforms must be undertaken at the same time as the government works towards repairing the country’s weak fiscal position.
 
The meeting noted government’s ongoing efforts to push back against state-capture, corruption and violence that are damaging society and the country’s economic prospects.
 
The meeting further highlighted the importance of a comprehensive and well balanced approach in the execution of the Energy Action Plan that will promote significant levels of new investment for the fundamental modernisation and restructuring of the country’s electricity sector.
 
President Ramaphosa thanked the members of PEAC for their well-considered and crafted inputs and advice to government, providing assurance that government remains on track in the implementation of reforms in a purposeful manner, despite the enormity of the task that means significant results will take time to materialise. 
 
The PEAC members will continue to provide economic advice to the President in an ongoing manner. 
 
The purpose of the PEAC is to provide advice to the President on economic policy matters, to allow for detailed discussion on current economic developments, and to allow for the consideration of new economic proposals.
 
PEAC members, who were appointed on a purely voluntary basis from October 2019 for a three-year term, which has subsequently been extended until the first half of 2024, comprise a team of 19 local and international economic experts drawn from academia, policy and business circles.  The President invites members of his cabinet involved in economic policy matters to join the PEAC meetings.
 
A major focus of the PEAC work over the past few years has been to advise the President on reforms needed for inclusive, sustainable growth, and PEAC advice also played a significant role in shaping the South African government’s economic response to the Covid pandemic.
 
 
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - 082 835 6315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will participate in the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit which takes place in St. Petersburg in the  Russian Federation on 27 and 28 July 2023.

The Summit, which aims to foster mutually beneficial cooperation and partnerships between Russia and the African continent, first convened in October 2019 with a commitment to continue meeting every three years. 

This 2nd Summit is expected to consider four declarations and a three-year Action Plan, which will be presented for consideration.

These submissions will focus on strengthening cooperation between Russia and African states in politics, security, trade, science, IT, humanitarian support, education, culture, sports, youth and the environment. 

The declarations also seek to strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism, the prevention of an arms race in outer space, and in information security.

Scheduled side events will include an exhibition to showcase investment opportunities in Russia and Africa, an innovation space to demonstrate new technologies, and a Business Development and Social Partnership Zone for networking between the heads of global corporations, government officials, business and the media.

The summit background will also offer an opportunity to African Heads of State who are part of the African Leaders Peace Mission to continue talks with President Putin on the confidence-building measures that will create conducive conditions for a path to peace between Russia and Ukraine.

South Africa will use the summit backdrop to further engage Russia at a bilateral level to finalise the contents and substance of the upcoming BRICS summit. 

President Ramaphosa will lead the South African delegation to the Summit, and will be accompanied by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; and Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister in The Presidency. 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa - +27 82 835 6315
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria