President Ramaphosa has today, 18 June 2023, concluded a two-days working visit to the Ukraine and the Russian Federation where African leaders proposed a path for peace to the 16 month long conflict between the two countries. 

The proposal presented by African leaders on a mission to Ukraine and Russia has created a foundation for future engagements that will contribute to a road to peace and resolution to the devastating conflict. 

The African Heads of States and Government asserted several key elements that are vital in starting a path to peace. 

Some of the elements include the de-escalation of the conflict; release of the prisoners of war and children, adherence to the principle of the UN Charter on Sovereignty; ensuring that there is humanitarian support for those in need and post war reconstruction amongst others .

The Peace  Mission to Ukraine and Russia has wrapped up its first round of engagements with both warring parties to the conflict. 

President Ramaphosa is encouraged by the warm reception that the delegation received from the Presidents of Ukraine and Russia. 

The President will further reflect on the engagements by the African Peace Mission on his weekly newsletter on Monday. 


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa wishes the South African Jewish Community a Chag Pesach Kasher v'Sameach as they celebrate the festival of Pesach, which began yesterday, 5 April 2023, and continues today. 

The President said: “This week, three important religious holidays – Easter, Pesach and Ramadan – are being celebrated simultaneously across our country. This is a reminder of the cultural richness and diversity that is among our society’s greatest strengths. I extend my best wishes to the Jewish community as they mark this celebration of freedom.”  

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Amendment Bill, which extends coverage for occupational injuries and diseases to previously excluded vulnerable workers, and improves compensation benefits to employees.

The Bill effects a range of amendments to the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (Act No 130 of 1993) which governs compensation for disablement caused by occupational injuries or diseases sustained or contracted by employees, or for death resulting from injuries or diseases.

The new provisions enacted by the President include one that gives effect to a Constitutional Court judgment in the matter of Mahlangu and Another v Minister of Labour and Others in which the Court declared parts of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act unconstitutional.

The unconstitutionality related to the exclusion of domestic workers employed in private households from the definition of “employee” and the effective denial of compensation to such workers who contracted diseases or suffered disablement, injuries or death in the course of their employment.

The amended legislation also protects the livelihoods of workers affected by occupational injuries or diseases by introducing a multi-disciplinary employee-based process of rehabilitation and reintegration of injured employees or employees who contracted occupational diseases.

This requires employers to exhaust all rehabilitation and reintegration processes before laying off an employee.

In turn, employers will be incentivised for full compliance with the provisions.

The new law also addresses institutional arrangements, such as the appointment of members of the Compensation Board.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa hosted a virtual meeting on Wednesday evening, 5 April 2023, with chief executives from key exporting economic sectors such as mining and minerals, the agricultural and forestry sectors, as well as the automotive and freight forwarding industry representatives. 

The sectors represent South Africa’s largest exporters who are reliant on the country’s road, rail and ports infrastructure.  

President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the proposals presented during the meeting, which are aimed at improving the state of South Africa’s national rail and ports.  

“We need to take urgent measures to resolve the logistics backlog that continues to undermine economic growth. I deeply appreciate the constructive manner in which all the impacted sectors have approached the resolution of this crisis. Government will consider some of the proposals presented and act on them quickly in order to unlock much needed investments into the economy,” says President Ramaphosa.

The interaction with large exporters follows a meeting the President held with members of the Transnet board and executive management at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, on 28 March 2023, which discussed challenges facing the country’s logistics system, including the declining performance of the freight rail network. 

President Ramaphosa directed Transnet to implement reforms swiftly and completely to turn around the crisis in South Africa’s logistics system.

Over the course of the coming weeks, Government will consider and announce a set of measures that will add impetus to the work that is currently underway to improve rail and port efficiencies, and in line with the Government policy direction for the freight transport sector in the White Paper on National Rail Policy and in legislation such as the National Ports Act and the Economic Regulation of Transport Bill that is currently before Parliament. 

The President will soon meet with organised labour representatives to concretise a collaborative effort that will be coordinated from The Presidency.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa wishes South Africa’s diverse Christian denominations a prayerful and peaceful Easter and celebration of the Resurrection of Christ.

The President extends his wishes to the Muslim community who are approaching the mid-point of the Holy Month of Ramadan, as well as the Jewish community who are observing Passover.

The President calls on the nation to observe this weekend with care and consideration for families and communities affected by natural disasters and incidents of violent crime.

President Ramaphosa said: “It is good for the soul of our nation that so many communities are engaging in prayerful devotion and family-centred activities at this time.

“May this Easter bring us together as families and as a nation to ease some of the challenges that have affected communities and families in recent weeks, including incidents of violent crime and carnage on our roads.

“As we travel around our beautiful country during this period, let us take good care of one another. Our roads aren’t dangerous; it’s our behaviour that’s dangerous: behaviour such as drinking and driving, overtaking on solid lines and blind rises in the road, not taking breaks when we are tired, or overloading vehicles with people or goods.

“We can all play our part by reporting risky behaviour or criminal activity, by moderating the way we socialise with alcohol, and by avoiding conflict within our families or circles of friends.

“Let us enjoy this time and make it possible for our law enforcement authorities and emergency services personnel to enjoy it too, and let us come back refreshed to continue building a better South Africa.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the family and friends of the late United States human rights activist and lawyer Randall Robinson who has passed away at the age of 81.
 
Mr Robinson was an Esteemed Member of South Africa’s National Order of the Companions of OR Tambo, with which he was honoured in 2012.
 
He received this honour for being an integral part of the anti-apartheid movement; for his exceptional contribution to the struggle against apartheid through the Free South Africa Movement, and for the creation of a free, non-racial, non-sexist and democratic South Africa.
 
President Ramaphosa said: “On behalf of our nation, I offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends and associates of Randall Robinson whose humanity and tireless pursuit of justice and freedom has made the world a better place.
 
“From serving the civil rights movement in his own country, to fighting for the isolation of the apartheid state and economy, to seeking justice in Haiti, Randall Robinson was an internationalist who placed grave injustices and excesses on the agenda of the global community.
 
“Through TransAfrica and the Free South Africa Movement, Randall Robinson fought for a free South Africa in which all South Africans would enjoy democratic rights, and a South Africa that could take its rightful place in international forums and in the world economy.
 
“As we mourn his passing, we are comforted by his own anticipation of this moment in his novel, Makeda, in which the eponymous matriarch implores: ‘You won't need to talk to my headstone in order to talk to me. I won't be there. I'll be in the air and the Earth. I'll be in the stars that light the African heavens. I'll be watchin' over you and your family. My spirit will always be close enough to touch and protect you all. So, do not grieve for me. My body will die, but my soul will live on. For my soul cannot die. Always remember that my soul is the spark of God in me’.
 
“The African heavens are indeed illuminated with Randall Robinson’s indelible legacy.”
 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 30 March 2023, engage with the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on the Social Relief Grant, the impact of load shedding on service delivery, greylisting of South Africa by the international Financial Action Task Force and the configuration of the National Executive.

The President will address these matters in his response to Questions for Oral Reply submitted by Members of the NCOP.

Among issues raised by members is the professionalisation of the public sector and challenges associated with red tape among provinces.

The President’s interaction with the NCOP, which represents the provinces to ensure that provincial interests are taken into account in the national sphere of Government, will start at 14h00.

Questions for Oral Reply is one of the mechanisms Parliament uses to hold the Executive to account.

This will be the President’s first questions session in the NCOP since the State of the Nation Address on 9 February 2023.

Details of the interaction are as follows:

Date: Thursday, 30 March 2023
Time: 14h00
Venue: NCOP Chamber, Parliament 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed Transnet to implement reforms swiftly and completely to turn around the crisis in South Africa’s logistics system. 

President Ramaphosa met with the members of the Transnet board and the executive management team at the Union Buildings in Pretoria today, 28 March 2023, to discuss the challenges facing the country’s logistics system, including the declining performance of the freight rail network.

Government has set out a clear policy direction for the freight transport sector in the White Paper on National Rail Policy and in legislation such as the National Ports Act and the Economic Regulation of Transport Bill that is currently before Parliament. 

During the State of the Nation Address last month, President Ramaphosa announced that government would develop a roadmap for Transnet to provide clarity on the steps that need to be taken to address the crisis and outline a path for reform. 

This includes ensuring that sufficient rolling stock is available to increase the volume of goods transported by rail; upgrading infrastructure in rail and ports; addressing security challenges; and implementing reforms to enable private sector investment.

“There is work underway between the various departments to finalise this roadmap, coordinated by Operation Vulindlela, and I would like this process to be completed as quickly as possible. We must remain focused on structural reforms to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the transport sector in the long term. 

One of these reforms is to enable third party access to the freight rail network by private rail operators, while the network itself remains in the ownership of the state”, said President Ramaphosa. 

The President noted the progress that has been made to establish a separate Infrastructure Manager within Transnet Freight Rail by October this year as a crucial step towards creating a level playing field for public and private operators.

President Ramaphosa said that strong collaboration with the private sector, organised labour and other social partners is vital to improving logistics performance. He made reference to the strong willingness shown by members of the Minerals Council and others to invest in rolling stock and other equipment, to contribute skills and resources and to pursue opportunities for collaboration. 

These collaborative efforts are essential to formulating workable solutions that will form part of a collective national effort to fix the country’s transport system. 

“Despite the crisis facing Transnet we must acknowledge the important progress that has been made in reversing the damage that was inflicted during state capture and recognise that there are many dedicated and hard-working people in the company that are committed to restoring Transnet to its potential. Transnet must quickly embark on a clear path to take us out of this crisis and ensure that the operation of our railways and ports contributes to the growth of our economy,” said President Ramaphosa.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday, 20 June 2023, host a joint working visit by the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mr Mark Rutte, and the Prime Minister of Denmark, Ms Mette Frederiksen.

The visit will take place at the Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria.

The Prime Ministers will visit South Africa from 19 to 20 June 2023 at the invitation of President Ramaphosa.
 
The visit seeks to solidify South Africa’s relationship with Denmark and the Netherlands in the areas of green hydrogen, renewable energy and just energy transition.

It is expected that South Africa and the Netherlands will sign the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation on green hydrogen.

The visit also brings a substantial group of investors to South Africa to reinforce the high levels of cooperation and good relations between South Africa and two important European partners.

The visit will entail a programme of joint bilateral talks and a joint business seminar.

In addition to a meeting with the President, the two Prime Ministers will also participate in a Denmark-Netherlands-South Africa Business Forum hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic).

A delegation that includes the CEOs of the Port of Rotterdam, Invest International, which provides financing for projects, as well as the Gasunie, which owns and manages the gas transmission network in the Netherlands, will accompany Prime Minister Rutte.

In addition, about 15 private companies will also form part of the delegation.
 
Prime Minister Frederiksen will be accompanied by a high-level business delegation. 
 
The Business Forum to be held under the theme “Green Energy Transition and Green Hydrogen Partnerships for Impact” will focus on key areas in green energy and green hydrogen.

Ahead of the leaders addressing the business forum, delegates will participate in plenary sessions on finance and skills development for local impact; roundtables to encourage discussions in a number of areas including the greening of industry, port development, industrial development support, green mobility, fuel cells and electrolysers, and green energy generation.

Members of the media are invited as follows:

PART A: OPENING REMARKS DURING OFFICIAL TALKS

Date: Tuesday, 20 June 2023
Time: 10h00 (Accredited media to arrive at 08h30)
Venue: Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria

PART B: THE BUSINESS FORUM:

Date: Tuesday, 20 June 2023
Time: 15h00
Venue: The Capital Hotel, Menlyn Maine, Pretoria

NOTE TO MEDIA: Members of the media wishing to cover the Working Visit must fill in the Accreditation template and send back to Shadi Baloyi on 072 571 6415 or shadi@presidency.gov.za by Monday, 19 June 2023, 09h00. No late submissions will be accepted.

For the Business Forum, accreditation template should be send to Charles Mnisi on 082 520 3475 or CMnisi@thedtic.gov.za.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will visit the Eastern Cape tomorrow, Tuesday, 28 March 2023, to assess the aftermath of recent floods that have claimed lives and damaged private property and public infrastructure.

The President will visit Port St Johns from 3pm.

The OR Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province has been affected by torrential rainfall over the past week, which caused flooding resulting in loss of life, displacement of communities and damage to infrastructure.  

Severe weather for which the South African Weather Service had issued early warnings on 22 and 23 March affected communities in Port St Johns, Ingquza Hill, Nyandeni and King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipalities, 

The floods disrupted critical infrastructure and services to water and electricity supply services, teaching and learning, as well as roads and bridges that collapsed. 

Government has activated a working Special Intergovernmental Committee on Disaster Management to provide support and relief to the affected communities.

Teams comprising national, provincial and local spheres of government have been assessing the damage and providing emergency support in the form of shelter, food, blankets and other essentials.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Ms Thembi Nkadimeng and Eastern Cape Premier, Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane to interact with residents and other stakeholders, and to assess current response and recovery efforts, and further actions or resources needed to help communities ravaged.

On arrival, the President will visit the Port St Johns Youth Centre, which is housing residents who have lost homes in the floods.

The President and his delegation will then proceed to damaged roads in the Mthumbane area, close to Port St Johns’ Second Beach.

Media enquiries:

Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President, on +27 82 835 6315
Ndyebo Kopo, Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Eastern Cape, on +27 83 464 9529

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria