President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded a successful visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo where together with President Félix Tshisekedi, co-chaired the Heads of State and Government segment of the 12th session of the DRC –South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC).

The BNC which was held today, 06 July 2023, at Palais de la Nation, renewed commitment by both countries to further enhance and nurture the existing bilateral trade and political relations.

The Presidential segment of the BNC was preceded by the Senior Official meeting on 01-03 July 2023 and the Ministerial Sectoral meeting on 04-05 July 2023.

The BNC was conducted through the agreed structure between the two counties, which provides for the establishment of four (04) Sectoral Committees: Political and Governance Sectoral Commission; Defence and Security Sectoral Commission; Economy, Finance and Infrastructure Sectoral Commission and Social and Humanitarian Sectoral Commission.

To this effect, the leaders have acknowledged the existence of thirty-eight (38) Agreements and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and welcomed the 81 decisions taken during the Ministerial session of the BNC. President Ramaphosa and his Congolese counterpart directed the relevant Ministers to conclude the review of these legal instruments by the end of October 2023 and accelerate the implementation of all agreements. 

These legal instruments cover a wide range of areas including, amongst others, Agriculture, Defence, Trade and Investment, Health, Police, Energy, Public Service and Administration, Cooperative Governance, Transport, Diplomatic Cooperation, Humanitarian Support and Immigration. 

The Heads of State and Government also discussed issues of mutual interest and appraised each other on economic, political, and security situations in the Region, particularly in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and the outcome of the Quadripartite Summit held on 27 June 2023 in Luanda under the auspices of the African Union.

The leaders also reflected on other global issues of mutual interest where’re they iterated their common view that the Russia- Ukraine war requires dialogue and negotiation between the parties, as does the devastating conflict in Sudan. The two Presidents called on the parties in both countries to cease hostilities permanently and to give effect to the AU and UN objectives of silencing guns in pursuit of peace and security across the globe.

The leaders also participated in the Business Forum held on the margins of the BNC session, which explored opportunities for enhanced trade and possible trade and investment between the two counties with a particular focus on four key sectors of Agriculture & Agro-processing, Energy & Infrastructure, Health & Pharmaceuticals and Mining.

On economic cooperation, the Heads of State and Government directed the respective Ministers of Trade to resolve identified impediments with a view to increasing trade and investment between the two countries.

In this regard, the Heads of State and Government noted the strategic importance of the Grand INGA Hydropower Project between South Africa and the DRC to jointly develop the Project with the potential to produce more than 40 000 Mega Watts (MW) of hydropower from the Congo River.

On immigration, the leaders agreed that further consultations will be necessary to finalise all relevant modalities that will result in a mutually favourable visa regime.  

President Ramaphosa has extended an invitation to President Tshisekedi to attend the 13th Session of the BNC in South Africa on a date to be agreed through diplomatic channels.

The President was supported by Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation; State Security; Defence and Military Veterans; Trade, Industry and Competition; Police; Mineral Resources and Energy; Transport; Home Affairs and Social Development.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Ms Thoko Didiza,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Chaplain-General of the SANDF, Brigadier Gen Ernest Masweu,
Director-General of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Mr Mooketsa Ramasodi,
Officials,
NARYSEC graduates,
Guests,
 
Sanibonani. Dumelang. Goeie môre. Molweni. Kgotsong. Lotjhani. Ndi matsheloni. Nhlekanhi.
 
Today is a great day. 
 
It is a great day for our graduates and their families, and for the communities that they come from and that they will be returning to serve.
 
As we celebrate Nelson Mandela Month, we recallMadiba’s words that:
 
“It is so easy to break down and destroy. The heroes are those who make peace and build.”
 
Being of service and playing one’s part in building the South Africa we all want is what the National Rural Youth Services Corps is all about.
 
When we talk about building we are not just referring to work or to bricks and mortar.
 
We are also talking about inculcating a culture of duty and civic responsibility.
 
We are talking about building a better nation, where all South Africans play their part in making our communities better and of a society where no-one is left behind.
 
It is you, the young people, who are the builders of our nation. It is you who possess the talents, the energies and the enthusiasm that will take us forward.
 
Throughout our journey to democracy it was young people at the forefront of progress and change.
 
That is why our focus as Government is on empowering young people.
 
Our focus is on providing young people with the skills they need to look for and get work, or to start their own businesses.
 
We want to see our young people contributing towards building vibrant economies across the country, especially in rural areas.
 
Our vision is for this to be aligned with the District Development Model and the One Plan for each of the country’s districts.
 
When we say we must leave no-one behind, we mean that every young person in this country must be given a fair opportunity, regardless of where they live, where they went to school or how little they have.
 
By this we include the young people of Qunu, Madiba’s birthplace; of Fort Beaufort, the home of Charlotte Maxeke; of Mamelodi, the home of Solomon Mahlangu; of Mankweng, the birthplace of Peter Mokaba; of Groutville, where Inkosi Albert Luthuli lived as a young man; and of every rural community across the country.
 
Through initiatives like NARYSEC, we are affirming that rural youth have the same potential and energies as young people who live in cities and metros.
 
At the same time we know that particular challenges exist in rural areas.
 
Unemployment amongst rural youth is higher. 
 
There are less factories, industries and businesses in rural areas. As a result there is less economic activity than in metros and urban areas. 
 
Access to tertiary education in rural areas, though it is improving, is still limited.
 
As a result, young people in search of opportunity are migrating away from rural areas to the cities. 
 
This affects development in rural areas.
 
Through NARYSEC we have been working to change this. 
 
This programme has existed since 2010. Our aim is to continue to scale it up so it reaches more unemployed rural youth.
 
By feeding into the District Development Model, NARYSEC graduates can contribute to making rural areas centres of economic activity. They can contribute to make rural areas sources of job creation, self-employment and entrepreneurship, and models of excellence when it comes to the delivery of services.
 
There is a reason you are called the National Rural Youth Service Corps. 
 
We see you as a division, much like in an army, that is acting and working together towards achieving a common objective: national reconstruction.
 
The young people graduating today from the Youth Leadership Development Programme have received training from the Department of Defence in partnership with the National School of Government, National Youth Development Agency and Road Traffic Management Corporation.
 
They were recruited from various districts and local municipalities across the nine provinces through an open and transparent process.
 
Their training has included practical skills in various sectors. These include agriculture, forestry and fisheries, construction and engineering, energy, health, safety and security, IT, transport and road management and others. 
 
These are all economic sectors in which we want to see more youth participation.
 
Importantly, this training has included community and leadership development and civic education.
 
Youth must be at the forefront of bringing development to rural communities. It is our responsibility to provide them with the knowledge, skills and experience that will enable them to play their part in bettering their communities.
 
To all graduates: you have done your families, your communities and your nation proud.
 
Well done for persevering and for not giving up even when the going got tough. 
 
You have shown commitment to your personal development and taken charge of your own destiny.
 
You will now return to your provinces and hopefully continue with developing your skills at TVET colleges, agricultural colleges and other institutions of higher learning.
 
You have been given the tools. Now it is up to you to use them to better your own lives and to bring about change in your communities.
 
Use what you have learned to work with Government and other social partners to alleviate poverty, unemployment, inequality and underdevelopment.
 
I want to invite businesses and other bodies to support rural economic development by hiring our graduates and assisting them to start their own businesses.
 
We can only overcome the challenge of youth unemployment if we work together.
 
Let us build better, stronger, safer rural communities. Let us leave no-one behind.
 
I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his sincere congratulations to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio on his re-election as President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

President Ramaphosa has noted that the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone has certified President Bio as the winner of the Presidential elections of 24 June 2023.

On behalf of the government and people of South Africa, President Ramaphosa commends the people of Sierra Leone for conducting peaceful and successful elections.

President Ramaphosa assures President Bio of his commitment to continue enhancing and strengthen bilateral cooperation between South Africa and Sierra Leone from which deepened trade and investment, people to people relations will be rooted.

President Ramaphosa looks forward to engagements with President Bio within the context of the bilateral cooperation, key regional, continental and global issues guided by the continent’s Agenda 2063.

The President views the Sierra Leone elections as a consolidation of democracy in the country and continent in line with the Agenda 2063 goal of “consolidating democratic gains and improving quality of governance, respect for human rights and the rule of law”.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

His Excellency Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo,

Minister of Industry of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mr Julien Paluku Kahongya,

Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa, Mr Ebrahim Patel,

Ministers from the DRC and South Africa,

Leaders of business from the DRC and South Africa,

Representatives of industry bodies and business organisations,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to thank you once again, my dear brother President Tshisekedi, for the warm welcome to your beautiful country.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the beating heart of Africa and is a country of immense importance to the history of our continent.

The DRC has an equally important role to play in the future of our continent, with its minerals propelling the new green industrial revolution.

It is for this reason that we want to see more South African companies investing in the DRC, and likewise to see more Congolese companies investing in the South African economy.

The meeting today of the 12th Session of the Bi-National Commission between our two countries underscores the importance of our relationship.

Our visit today comes at a time when we face many challenges.

These challenges include the after-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising food and fuel prices due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the devastation being wrought on economies and communities by climate change.

And yet even though we face a number of challenges, we are a continent brimming with potential and opportunity.

From North Africa to South Africa, from East to West, and here in Central Africa, we are favoured with vast endowments.

We have abundant mineral resources and fossil fuel reserves, large tracts of arable land, and, in many parts, abundant water supply. We have a diverse terrain that supports all manner of infrastructure development, including renewable energy.

And yet these vast endowments are not producing favourable economic and developmental outcomes evenly across the continent.

We are meeting here today as business from the DRC and South Africa because we see not obstacles, but opportunities.

Beyond our natural endowments we have many other strengths as a continent.

Africa is a young continent.

Approximately 70 per cent of the sub-Saharan Africa population is under the age of 30.

Africa’s youth are Digital Natives, having grown up in the information age. They are tech savvy and are leading the way in the use and consumption of new technologies.

Africa is growing. It is estimated that by 2050, Africa’s population will grow to 2.5 billion people with a new generation that is more urbanised, better educated and wealthier than any that has come before it.

Africa is urbanising, providing networks of skills and opportunity that can drive Africa’s development.

By some projections the urban population of Africa will be larger than that of China and India, and four times larger than that of the United States.

To realise the opportunity of this demographic dividend, we will need to rapidly expand and diversify our industrial capacity.

We need to shift away from simply being producers of raw materials that are processed elsewhere in the world.

Africa’s appetite for industrialisation has been whetted.

Across the continent we see new investment in factories and logistics systems that can power higher levels of growth and jobs.

Covid-19 taught us the importance of Africa developing its industrial base.

We were left stranded without the resources to fight the pandemic. We could not access sufficient supplies of medical-grade face masks, ventilators, surgical gowns, hand sanitisers, testing kits and later vaccines.

Through our efforts to repurpose industrial capabilities, the continent was able to reverse this, becoming a manufacturer of all these products, including vaccines, and exporting products to each other.

The crisis taught us valuable lessons for the future.

One of those lessons is that Africa’s industrial base, while growing, needs to be much deeper and larger.

It requires significant investment in science and innovation, a conducive environment for new investment, promoting skills development within the workforce and greater levels of trade with each other.

South Africa and the DRC can be leaders in this important project of ensuring African raw materials are processed on the African continent.

We can combine our raw materials and skills, our technology and capital, our young people, and universities into a powerful drive to industrialise.

There are immediate opportunities, from the potential in the food industry; to critical raw materials needed to build new green industries. There are opportunities in the supply of mining equipment and know-how as well as in services like telecommunications, banking and retail.

We have an opportunity to develop an integrated supply-chain for electric vehicle battery manufacturing here on the continent, using our combined resources and capacities.

This is one of the most important initiatives we can take to ensure that Africa can be a leading manufacturer and I look forward to taking this forward with President Tshisekedi.

I have listened carefully to the report that has been given by business people today and the remarks by our two Ministers.

I am pleased that we have several South African companies present in the DRC and many of the firms are represented here today. I know there are a number of Congolese businesses operating in South Africa.

There is no doubt that the potential is vast.

We must work more closely to address the challenges that have been identified by the private sector and work to overcome them.

We have agreed that South Africa will host the next Joint Bilateral Working Committee before the end of 2023.

We have also agreed to joint technical teams to address both trade challenges and problems experienced by investors.

As South Africa, we have set ourselves a target of raising R2 trillion in new investment over the next five years.

At current exchange rates, that would require 51 trillion Congolese francs annually.

We need Congolese businesspeople to invest in South Africa, to find opportunities to expand your businesses here by setting up subsidiaries in South Africa.

I therefore invite the Congolese private sector to attend the next South Africa Investment Conference to be held in March next year and join us in this effort to grow our overall investment base with more African investment.

As a continent we do have several challenges, but we must take our destiny into our own hands.

We are determined to ensure that all Africans benefit from their fair share of global growth and development.

I am certain that working together, deepening our cooperation and exploring new avenues of endeavour, we can achieve a better future for our continent and its people.

I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa warmly congratulates Catholic Archbishop of Cape Town, Stephen Brislin, on his nomination by Pope Francis for elevation to the rank of Cardinal.

The Archbishop is among 21 senior clergy globally who will be installed as Cardinals in a ceremony, known as a consistory, that will be held on 30 September 2023.

With his elevation, Cardinal-Elect will become a member of the College of Cardinals, who are high-ranking spiritual leaders who, if they are under the age of 80, are eligible to participate in papal elections or to be nominated as Pope.

President Ramaphosa said: “Archbishop Brislin’s elevation is an exceptional personal honour and recognition of his spiritual leadership and stewardship of the Catholic Church in South Africa.

“His nomination is cause for pride among South Africans of all backgrounds and should inspire all of us to exercise our beliefs, in our diversity, with deep devotion.” 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa is saddened by the passing of veteran anti-apartheid activist, Ms. Blance La Guma, at the age of 95.

The President extends his condolences to the family, friends, comrades and associates of the late veteran in South Africa, the United Kingdom and Cuba, where she lived at various stages of her life.

Ms. La Guma, who was a midwife by profession, was instrumental in the formation of the Federation of South African Women and conducted underground political activity as a member of the Communist Party in the 1950s.

She was detained in 1957 for mobilising 300 nurses in a protest against the Nursing Act and was later banned.

Ms La Guma and her husband, intellectual and author, Alex La Guma, went into exile in 1966 and she returned to South Africa after the unbanning of the liberation movement.

President Ramaphosa said: “Blanche La Guma was in the vanguard of a succession of activists who mobilised communities on the Cape Flats against apartheid.

“She was a health professional who contributed to the development of her profession in her home city and the United Kingdom where she worked in exile.

“Blanche La Guma’s sacrifices and impact should inspire all of us to take a deeper interest in the history of our liberation and to develop a greater appreciation of the extraordinary roles ordinary played to fight for change in our society in the world.

“May her soul rest in peace.” 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 12 July 2023, officiate the National Rural Youth Service Corps (NARYSEC) Pass-out Parade at the Duttonar Military Base in Nigel.

NARYSEC was established in 2010 with the objective of building the capacity of rural youth through various skills development and training. 

The programme has to date trained 17 537 youth in all nine provinces.

NARYSEC youth are trained in critical skills development programmes such as Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Construction & Engineering, Energy and Water, Education & Training, Health, Safety and Security, Information Technology and Media, Mining & Quarrying and Transport, Storage and Communication.

The Pass-out Parade marks the ceremonious completion of the training programme. 

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Ms Thoko Didiza, and Deputy Ministers, Mr Mcebisi Skwatsha and Ms Zoleka Capa.

Members of the media are invited to the event  as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 12 June 2023
Venue: Dunnotar Military Base, Nigel, Gauteng 
Time: 09h00 

To RSVP contact, Rincert Moremi on 066 084 6192 or RincertM@dalrrd.gov.za 

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

Programme Director;
The President of the Black Business Council, Mr. Elias Monage;
CEO of the Black Business Council, Mr. Kganki Matabane;
The collective leadership of the Black Business Council;
Ministers here present;
Representatives of the business community;
Distinguished Guests;

It is a great honour to be here tonight as we honour and celebrate black excellence and, most importantly, to be part of the conversation about accelerating the participation of black South Africans in the mainstream economy.

Today is the last day of the month dedicated to commemorating 1976 and celebrating the youth of our country. So we honoured the invitation to join Alex FM at Alex High School this morning. I also visited Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator earlier today, a partnership between government and business to absorb greater numbers of our youth into the economy through employment and entrepreneurship. 

What impressed me was how the youth remain positive and remain hopeful about the future. We want to assure the youth that we are going to continue to work hard together with them to build a sustainable future. We also want to urge many of you, as business people, to return to your schools and communities to invest resources for the growth and development of the future of the youth.

Ladies and Gentleman

The Black Business Council's decision to honour black business leaders in this manner is truly commendable, as we recognize that our nation is an intricate web of multiple interests. 

By celebrating black excellence, we prove that it is possible to not just survive but thrive while facing significant obstacles.

These awards are also taking place as we mark 20 years of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) policy framework.

Since its implementation over 20 years ago, there has been significant progress made in advancing economic transformation and empowering the historically disadvantaged.

Compatriots,

According to statistics, the number of black-owned companies in South Africa has increased dramatically, proving that through our joint efforts we ARE changing the look of this economy. 

As of 2021, it was estimated that approximately 2.5 million black-owned businesses employed millions of individuals across the country.

Black-owned companies have made significant advances in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, services, and technology. 

Black business is also claiming an increasing share of contribution to GDP growth, a trend we must accelerate. 

Recent figures show that black-owned businesses account for a growing amount of the country's GDP, with estimates ranging from 28 percent to 35 percent.

Nevertheless, there is still more work to be done. In order to see positive results from this policy, its execution must be strengthened and streamlined. We must work together as social partners to ensure its success.

Compatriots,

We must also address the issue of B-BBEE compliance reporting by companies. According to the 2021 National Status and Trends on Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Transformation Report, the B-BBEE Commission's B-BBEE Portal submissions have decreased from 5,818 in 2019 to 1,475 in 2022 due to low compliance levels.

As Government, we are continuing to review and refine the BBBEE policy with a focus of making it more inclusive, transparent, and impactful.

The goal is to create more social and economic equity and make sure that all people have equal opportunities to take part in the economy of the country.

We are affirm that this is the correct policy to pursue.

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Besides the B-BBEE policy framework, we have implemented various initiatives to support black businesses.

A key lever for us is the use of policy, legislation, and regulation to promote black economic empowerment. This includes the implementation of preferential procurement, skills development, enterprise and supplier development, and employment equity, among others. 

We have also established institutions and programs to support black entrepreneurs and small businesses. The Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) provides business development services, mentorship, and access to finance.

Additionally, the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) offers funding and support to black-owned businesses, helping them overcome financial barriers and achieve sustainable growth.

Furthermore, the government has launched programs to enhance skills and entrepreneurship development among black youth.

These initiatives include the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Entrepreneurship Development Program, which provide training, mentorship, and funding opportunities for young black entrepreneurs.

Moreover, we believe that women's empowerment is central to the global development agenda and is a stepping stone to gender equality.

In this regard, we are deeply concerned that only a small percentage of board members in JSE-listed companies are female, while a significant proportion of JSE-listed companies have no female board representation at all!

It is equally concerning that women are experiencing higher levels of unemployment, while those who are employed generally earn 19 to 37 percent less than their male counterparts. 

Compatriots, 

We must all confront this reality together as a nation. It is our responsibility as government and private sector to create a conducive environment for equal participation in the economy for both women and young people.

As government, we have created a number of initiatives to promote women's economic participation. Government initiatives such as the Women Empowerment Fund and the National Empowerment Fund, to name two, are designed to increase funding for black women to enter the world of business.

For instance, in 2021, we introduced the Women Empowerment and Gender Equality (WEGE) Strategy, which aims to ensure that women participate actively in the Energy Sector.

We also have the SheTradeZA Hub, which assists women entrepreneurs in increasing their international competitiveness and connecting to local, regional, and international markets.

We encourage women with an aptitude for business to take advantage of the many entrepreneurial opportunities that are available, whether in agriculture, energy, or any other sector.

All of these initiatives, along with others, demonstrate our commitment to empowerment and the creation of an inclusive economy. However, we cannot accomplish this on our own.

We require institutions such as the BBC to collaborate with us and place an emphasis on promoting inclusive economic development through public-private partnerships and targeted investment in sectors including agriculture, industrial, and infrastructure.

Regarding the Black Industrialist Programme and the framework of our Industrial Policy, our collective efforts must concentrate on two primary objectives:
• One, facilitating Black Industrialists' entry into strategic and targeted industrial value chains so that they can contribute to growth, investment, exports, and employment, and 
• Two, providing Black Industrialists with a variety of pathways and instruments to increase their participation in the national economy.

The Departments of Trade, Industry, and Competition and Small Business Development will continue to lead the way in opening up business opportunities to enable black firms to thrive and participate fully in the economy through the Black Industrialist Programme.

We should celebrate the program's success, which has resulted in the development of around a thousand Black Industrialists. Many of them now run successful businesses that employ a growing number of our citizens. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

We are well aware that the current state of the global economy has made it more difficult for us to fulfil our commitment to the development of an inclusive and equitable economy.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 has disrupted production, trade, and investment globally, including the African continent. The War in Ukraine has increased oil and food prices, heightening global tensions, and embroiled us in geopolitical contestations between major powers, with obvious dangers for our economy.

We are also facing challenges, from persistent power outages, to weak growth, the scourge of corruption, and unemployment.

To combat these, our government has rolled out a number of interventions. Among these are the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, Operation Vulindlela – which is specifically designed to remove obstacles in your path and streamline our own processes – and the Just Energy Transition Plan, our energy security and green economy transition strategy. 

We are responding to the immediate crisis of load shedding through the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM) and a range of other measures and reforms aimed at stabilizing the electricity supply and building for the future.

Moreover, the electricity minister has been appointed and is working towards resolving the issue of load shedding by the end of the year.

The minister has been engaging with various stakeholders, including businesses, to find a long-lasting solution to the energy crisis.

The Energy Action Plan is underway and aims to reduce stages of load shedding by increasing the number of power plants, including renewable energy projects.

We are fully committed to the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. But that transition will occur at the appropriate pace for our needs, it will balance economic development and preservation of jobs, social equity, and environmental sustainability. It will also take into account our current energy shortages. 

Because we cannot transition while sitting in the dark!

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

To address the unemployment challenge, we are implementing the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP) to kick-start our economy after the devastation of Covid-19.  

The Jobs Fund has invested R9 billion in job creation initiatives and R13 billion in matched funding to support 294 000 jobs, internships, and training for nearly 293 000 job seekers. However, there is a recognition that more needs to be done.

To expedite the reform agenda and address bureaucratic red tape, the government has established Operation Vulindlela.

This initiative has made significant progress in a short time by promoting collaboration and coordination across government.

Some of its achievements include paving the way for private investment in electricity generation, clearing the backlog of water use licenses, ending delays in the auction of high-demand spectrum, facilitating private sector participation in container terminals, reviewing the work visa system, and adopting a new National Rail Policy. These efforts aim to attract investment, improve efficiency, and modernise various sectors of the economy.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We must also ensure that we take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade, which holds the potential to inject $450 billion worth of investments into the African economy and help lift between 50 and 100 million people out of poverty by 2035.

We will work with you to ensure that you participate meaningfully in the economy of our continent.

To achieve this goal, we are making it easier for third parties to utilise the freight rail network. We hope that this will encourage more investment, lower transportation costs, and make the sector more competitive.

Some of these measures include allowing private companies to operate container terminals and invest in port infrastructure as part of a policy shift toward greater efficiency.

In the end, we want to make sure that state-owned firms like Transnet can operate profitably and fulfil their commitments without ongoing and burdensome government assistance.

These are some of the initiatives that we believe will transform our economy.

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

We view the Black Business Council as a vital partner that can guide us as we resolve our deficiencies and help us streamline existing policies and programs so that they align with our empowerment goals.

We must collaborate to resolve any challenges that confront us. In the near future, the country's economic trajectory will be largely determined by its capacity to navigate obstacles, implement reforms, and draw strength from all the social partners.

Together, we must establish a meaningful social compact to reconstruct our nation and our economy, and to ensure that no individual and no community is left behind.

I thank you.

Your Majesty King Mswati III,
Heads of State and Government,
Ministers of Trade and Finance of SACU,
Executive Secretary of SACU, Mr Thabo Khasipe,
Members of the SACU Secretariat,
Officials,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

We are meeting at a time when seismic shifts are taking place in the global economy. 

Just as countries were beginning to recover in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global economy was further weakened by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and geopolitical contestation.

As the UN Conference on Trade and Development noted earlier this year, food and energy crises, surging inflation, debt tightening and the climate emergency are all contributing to one of the lowest rates of global economic growth in decades.

As the Southern African Customs Union, it is critical that we fulfil our mandate if we are to withstand these global shocks and mitigate their impact on our respective countries. 

SACU is the oldest Customs Union in the world, having been founded in 1910. 

The SACU agreement has undergone several changes and improvements over the years to better reflect the prevailing political and economic environment. 

We have always been deliberate about using this Union as a vehicle for advancing and deepening integration. 

We are working to achieve this integration through cooperation in trade and industrial policies. We seek to build cross-border value chains among all SACU Member States, underpinned by regional infrastructure programmes.

The question for us is, to what extent have we been successful in this regard? And, is SACU still fit for purpose and able to respond effectively to the needs of member countries?

The geopolitical and economic shifts taking place across the world necessitate that we must be quite intentional about what we hope to achieve as SACU. 

We must be quite deliberate when it comes to playing a developmental role in the region, on the continent and globally.

At the recent Summit for a New Global Financing Pact in Paris, Africa spoke with one voice about the need for industrialised countries to meet their commitments to developing economies. 

Nearly all countries present agreed on the need for the reform of multilateral development and financial institutions.

Ultimately, we strive for a world order that accommodates developing economy countries by having rules in respect of access to capital, sovereignty and the right to develop our industries.

The SACU Strategic Plan adopted in June 2022 is the foundational document that executes the aspirations of SACU.

We must work to deepen regional integration in the Customs Union and deliberately forge stronger ties among the five Member States. 

South Africa believes that spatial development initiatives, industrialisation, exports and investment promotion and regional manufacturing linkages will enable our countries to diversify our economies.

It will also enable us to take advantage of opportunities opened up by the African Continental Free Trade Area. 

For this to happen, we should prioritise economic infrastructure, especially scaling up renewable energy capacity, roads and railways, ports and airports, telecommunications and water infrastructure.

We must discuss what we can do to diversify our economies, increase intra-Africa trade and deepen integration. 

We are well positioned to use our collective revenues to support industrial capacity and infrastructure development within the Union. 

We cannot be content that Africa’s share in global trade is a mere 3 per cent. 

This Customs Union should contribute to substantially increase African trade in goods and services. 

We will achieve this if we have clearly articulated programmes, sufficient resources, a robust governance framework and a commitment to execute the Strategic Plan.

May SACU continue to serve as an important instrument for deepening African economic integration as we strive to develop our economies, advance mutual prosperity and leave no one behind.

I thank you

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, 31 May 2023 address the National Assembly on key interventions and programmes of The Presidency, including addressing the electricity crisis and growing an inclusive economy.

The President will do so as part of presenting the Presidency Budget Vote for 2023/24, which will be debated by Members of Parliament. The President will also reply to this debate on Thursday, 1 June 2023.

President Ramaphosa will outline progress recorded during the past financial year in relation to commitments set out in the February 2022 and 2023 State of the Nation Addresses.

At the apex of the Executive arm of the State, The Presidency is the centre of coordination, oversight and supervision across all spheres of Government. 

The Presidency supports the President and Deputy President in execution of their primary responsibilities to uphold, defend and respect the Constitution of the Republic and to advance social cohesion, among other programmes.

The President will underline his vision for a South Africa characterised by inclusive growth and improved living conditions for all South Africans.

Presidency Budget Vote:

Date: Wednesday, 31 May 2023
Time: 14h00
Venue: Good Hope Chambers, Parliament, Cape Town

Reply to Presidency Budget Vote debate:

Date: Thursday, 01 June 2023
Time: 14h00
Venue: Good Hope Chambers, Parliament, Cape Town

A broadcast feed will be provided.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria