Presidential Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, will today, 03 May 2023, update the public through a media briefing, on the President’s public programme for the week.

Members of the media are invited as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 03 May 2023
Time: 13h30
Venue: Imbizo Media Centre, 120 Plein Street, Parliament, Cape Town
 
RSVP: Media wishing to attend the media briefing physically are requested to submit their details to Khutjo Sebata – 079 898 4621 / khutjo@presidency.gov.za.

A livestream link will be shared with all media who wish to follow remotely at 13h00.
 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa, has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of international singer, actor, cultural and civil rights activist, Mr Harold George ‘Harry’ Belafonte.

Belafonte was also an esteemed member of the National Order of the Companion of OR Tambo.

Mr Belafonte’s passing on the eve of the South Africa’s National Orders ceremony to take place on Friday, 28 April 2023 and on the eve of the country’s Freedom Day celebration serves a poignant reminder of the contribution Belafonte made to the international cultural boycott of South Africa during the apartheid years.

“Harry Belafonte holds a special place in the hearts of South Africans and many around the world for his outstanding talent and warmth of his personality, but also for his stand against apartheid whilst in the prime of his international career. He was instrumental in sustaining the United Nations led cultural boycott against apartheid South Africa. He worked closely with South African artists including Miriam Makeba to ensure South Africa’s struggle against apartheid remained in the international spotlight and agenda. He was an influencer of his time who spared no energy in supporting our liberation struggle and in campaigning for human rights in many other parts of the world. We will remember him as a hero and true friend of South Africa that we must celebrate during our National Orders ceremony and for many years to come”, said President Ramaphosa.  

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Based on public discussion and pronouncements on South Africa’s participation in the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Presidency wishes to clarify that South Africa remains a signatory to the Rome Statute and will continue to campaign for equal and consistent application of international law.

This clarification follows an error in a comment made during a media briefing held by the governing African National Congress (ANC) on South Africa’s status with regard to the ICC. Regrettably, the President erroneously affirmed a similar position during a media session today.

South Africa remains a signatory to the ICC in line with a resolution of the 55th National Conference of the ANC – held in December 2022 – to rescind an earlier decision to withdraw from the ICC.

The December resolution was reaffirmed at a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ANC during the weekend of 21 to 24 April 2023. The NEC had also reflected on the potential withdrawal from the ICC as an option that would arise as a measure of last resort in the absence of legal options that would result in fairness and consistency in the administration of international law.  

In remaining a signatory to the Rome Statute, South Africa is guided by the importance of strengthening institutions of global governance. Accordingly, South Africa will work to invigorate the Malabo protocol that would establish a continental criminal court that would complement the ICC as a court of last resort.

Furthermore, South Africa is considering a legislative amendment that would domesticate the Rome statute so that it reflects all the articles of the Rome Statute. This includes provision of article 98 of the statute that requires a waiver of immunities for persons charged by the ICC from third party countries where there is no referral by the United Nations Security Council.

The manner in which the UK domesticated the Rome Statute to incorporate the provisions of article 98 has been recommended as a guideline case study.
 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The National Orders are the highest awards that South Africa, through the President, bestows on citizens and eminent foreign nationals.
 
Following objections from various sectors of society and on the recommendation of the National Orders Advisory Council (NOAC), President Ramaphosa has accepted the withdrawal of three nominees who were nominated to receive respective Orders in a ceremony scheduled to take place on Friday, 28 April 2023 in Pretoria. The three are Mr. Duma Ndlovu, Mr. Freek Robinson and Mr. Mike Horne from the list of 35 chosen recipients to be conferred.
 
To uphold the integrity of National Orders, the NOAC will further adopt measures to strengthen the selection process. These measures include a workshop which will be undertaken by Council members at the end of April 2023. Timelines of the selection process will also be reviewed.
 
 
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Cyril Ramaphosa on +27 82 835 6315
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The South African Government is deeply concerned about the unfolding situation in Sudan, where violence erupted last week following a break down in negotiations on political and security sector reforms.

Over a prolonged period, the people of Sudan have endured instability and strife. The deterioration of the situation this week further complicates their yearning for a stable government that is civilian-led. 

South Africa joins the international community in its call on the parties to the conflict in Sudan to lay down their weapons, return to the negotiating table and unite the people of Sudan. 

South Africa sends a message of solidarity to the people of Sudan as they mark conclusion of the Holy Month of Ramadan and wishes them well during the Id-Ul-Fitr. 

The conflict in Sudan marks a setback in Africa’s efforts to silence the guns and usher in a sustained period of peace, stability and development. 

South Africa is currently serving as a member of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC). In this role, our country has been seized with the situation in Sudan, working with other African countries towards peace and stability in Sudan. 

South Africa supports the role played by the AU, IGAD and the East African Community (EAC) in their mediation roles in Sudan.

We will engage directly with the leaders of the armed forces in Sudan as part of our endevours for peace in Sudan. 

South Africa reiterates its appeal on the parties involved in the conflict to heed international calls for an immediate ceasefire as unarmed civilians, including visitors from many parts of the world, remain stranded and fast running out of supplies. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa met with business leaders in the steel and engineering industries, yesterday 18 April 2023 to discuss measures that government, the industry and other social partners  will take together to grow the sector and ensure its future sustainability.

President Ramaphosa met with the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) led by Chairperson, Mr Elias Monage, at the Union Buildings in Tshwane. The purpose of the meeting was to deepen engagement between government and this strategic sector of the economy. The meeting was the first direct engagement between a South African Head of State and the sector since SEIFSA’s formation almost 80 years ago.

In the first State of the Nation Address of the 6th Administration, in 2019, President Ramaphosa directed that the sector be given specific focus through the development of a steel and metal fabrication master plan. In June 2021 the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition signed the sector master plan, which provides a blueprint for the industry to revitalise and expand production.

The master plan is a key part of the reimagined industrial strategy which President Ramaphosa has championed to unleash private investment and support inclusive growth.

“The steel sector is at the heart of our economy, as it has a significant multiplier effect and is one of largest job creators in the manufacturing sector. Our infrastructure drive should be the catalyst that propels its recovery and growth. We are determined to build a local steel sector that is strong, competitive and well positioned for the future”, said President Ramaphosa.

The President outlined the actions being taken to achieve energy security, improve the performance of the freight logistics system and tackle corruption and crime, which have received strong support from business leaders. Government and industry representatives discussed opportunities for local steel in the effort to rehabilitate the rail network, expand the national transmission grid and build water infrastructure, as well as the need to invest in skills development.

The SEIFSA leadership expressed its support in working with government and other social partners to address the country’s challenges and unlock investment in the sector.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will host His Excellency President Sauli Väinämö Niinistö of the Republic of Finland on a State Visit to the Republic of South Africa.

President of Finland will undertake a State Visit to the Republic from 24 to 26 April 2023, at the invitation of President Ramaphosa. Initially, the Visit was planned in April 2020, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The State Visit will be the first by a Finnish President to South Africa in more than twenty years. President Niinistö, however, visited South Africa in December 2013 to attend the funeral of former President Nelson Mandela.

Bilateral relations between Finland and South Africa are deep rooted due to Finnish support for the liberation movements in Southern Africa. Relations have grown since 1994 in all areas of bilateral engagement and Finnish investment is a major priority for both countries, with over R2 billion in new investments in the last 3 years.

President Niinistö will be accompanied by a delegation of Finnish business leaders and a Business RoundTable will be hosted in partnership with the Department of Trade, Industry and Cooperation (dtic) under the theme; "Building Smart, Secure, Sustainable Society Together".

The objective of the session is to strengthen trade and investment relations between South Africa and Finland through the mobilisation and facilitation of new investments, expansion and nurturing of existing Finnish investments in South Africa, as well as exploring opportunities for joint ventures in technology commercialisation in mutual sectors.

Most of the discussions will centre on possible opportunities in renewable energy; Information and Communication Technology; mining technology; packaging and food hygiene; construction and finance, that the South African and Finnish companies can work together in exploring.

The Presidential Round Table will be preceded by a Business-to-Business Matchmaking engagement between the South Africa and Finnish companies. The outcome of the two interactions is expected to be an increase in trade and investment between South Africa and Finland.

Finland is an important partner to South Africa and, despite its small population and territory; it is amongst the most developed countries in the world and provides valuable trade, investment and development cooperation to South Africa. Like the other Nordics, they play an active role in global affairs, are strong advocates for multilateralism, have an excellent capacity and track record for peace and mediation efforts, and are global leaders in innovation.

Since 2010 Finland has been supportive of South Africa’s national priorities and continues to be a reliable partner in various sectors including maritime, science and technology, ICT and digitalization, environment, energy, education, skills development, agriculture and water.

President Niinistö will also be conducting a State Visit to Namibia during his Southern Africa visit. Within the SADC context, the Finnish have supported several programmes on sustainable water management. The Finnish engagement with Africa forms part of its strategic objective of increasing partnerships with Africa, including expanding its diplomatic presence, its support for the African Agenda and expanding economic relations. In this regard, Finland has adopted an Africa Strategy.

Finland is also a strong international partner in areas of various global issues such as strengthening multilateralism, international law, peacebuilding and mediation, the advancement of gender and human rights as well as around issues of renewable energy.  

The State Visit will take place as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 25 April 2023
Time: 10h00 (Accredited media to arrive at 08h30)
Venue: The Union Buildings, Pretoria

The Presidential Business Roundtable will take place as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 25 April 2023
Time: 15h00
Venue: The CoLab, Menlyn Maine, 194 Bancor Ave, Menlyn, Pretoria

NOTE TO MEDIA: Members of the media wishing to cover the State Visit must fill in the Accreditation template and send back to Shadi Baloyi on 072 571 6415 / shadi@presidency.gov.za by Thursday, 20 April 2023, 16h00. No late submissions will be accepted.

For Presidential Business Roundtable, Accreditation template should be send to Tsakane Khambane on 082 084 5566 / Tsakane@presidency.gov.za and Bongani Lukhele at BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za by 16h00 on Thursday, 20 April 2023.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, 17 June 2023, arrived in St Petersburg in the Russian Federation for the continuation of the African Peace Mission to the Ukraine and Russia conflict. 

His arrival in Russia’s cultural capital, follows constructive discussions with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the Ukraine on 16 June 2023.

This afternoon, President Ramaphosa together with the Heads State of Zambia, the Comoros and Senegal and Heads of Government of Congo Brazzaville, Egypt, and Uganda, as participants in the African Leaders Peace Mission, will meet with President Vladimir Putin to seek a road to peace to the 16 months long conflict between Ukraine and Russia which has thus caused devastating economic impact, loss of life and global instability. 

President Ramaphosa is accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, he is scheduled to return home on Sunday, 18 June 2023. 

 

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South Africa will celebrate the attainment of freedom and transition to democracy with the National Freedom Day celebration on Thursday, 27 April 2023.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead the national celebrations observed under the theme “Consolidating and Safeguarding Democratic Gains”.

The 2023 commemorative event will be held in the North West Province in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality.

This year, the 27th of April marks the 29th anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections. Freedom Day is commemorated every year to honour those unsung heroes and heroines who fought for freedom and paved the way for an equal, representative, non-racial society.

The national day also honours the masses of South Africans who resisted and suffered under apartheid, and faced death, injury and repression from the security forces. Many others battled forced removals, discrimination and other injustices, which the global community classified as a crime against humanity.

Freedom Month was launched by Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Mr. Zizi Kodwa on the 6th of April at Freedom Park in Tshwane. The celebrations will continue for the entire month across the country.  

The celebrations offer the nation an opportunity to reflect on progress made in transforming the South African society, while also examining the challenges.

This year’s Freedom Day celebrations coincides with the 27th anniversary of the enactment of the Constitution as the supreme law of our country.

President Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address and the programme for the day will feature cultural performances, a South African Air Force flypast and other ceremonial and celebratory elements.
 
Date: Thursday, 27 April 2023
Time: 11h00 
Venue: Manzilpark Stadium in The City of Matlosana local municipality, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, North West Province

President Ramaphosa will be supported by Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa, North West Province Premier Bushy Maape and Members of his Executive Council, Mayors and senior government officials. 
 
The Freedom Day celebrations programme will be broadcast on all major news channels and on all Presidency and Government digital platforms. Only accredited media will have access to the stadium.

Members of the media wishing to cover the Freedom Day celebrations are requested to populate the attached Excel form and send it back to Madimetja Moleba on 066 301 4675 / MadimetjaM@dsac.gov.za on or before Friday, 21 April 2023 at 11h00.
  

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria