President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Divorce Amendment Bill which amends the Divorce Act of 1979 to recognise Muslim marriages and safeguard the interests of Muslim women and children of Muslim marriages in the event that marriages are dissolved.

The new legislation is a response to an earlier Constitutional Court judgment which recognised the need for and importance of protecting Muslim women and children of Muslim marriages, particularly when a Muslim marriage is dissolved.

The amended legislation addresses shortcomings in the Divorce Act of 1979 which differentiated between people married in terms of the Marriage Act and people married according to Muslim rites, especially women.

Currently, Muslim couples who choose to marry according to Islamic law can only be afforded the statutory protection of the South African legal system as it pertains to civil spouses if they, in addition to their marriage under Islamic law, register a civil marriage.

The amendments enacted by the President provide for a definition of a Muslim marriage in the Divorce Act of 1979; the protection and safeguarding of the interests of dependent and minor children of a Muslim marriage; the redistribution of assets on the dissolution of a Muslim marriage; and forfeiture of patrimonial benefits of a Muslim marriage.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President, on media@enquiries.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on  Thursday, 09 May 2024, lead Government’s interaction - in the form of a District Development Model Presidential Imbizo - with communities and stakeholders within the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality in the Northern Cape Province. 

Themed "Leave No One Behind", the 12th Presidential Imbizo promotes participatory democracy and inclusive development by allowing community members and stakeholders to voice proposals and express any concerns or dissatisfaction they may have about conditions in the district or province.

John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality is a rural district municipality which  comprises three local municipalities - Ga-Segonyana, Joe Morolong and Gamagara. Mining , Tourism, Manufacturing, and Agriculture and Forestry are key economic drivers in the District.

The Imbizo is directed at enabling successful implementation of the “One District, One Plan” District Development Model in which residents, traditional leaders, business formations, organised labour and faith- and community-based organisations work with Government across all phases of planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Preceding the Imbizo there will be a series of build-up outreach activities led by all three spheres of Governmmet in parts of John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality and across the Northern Cape Province.

President Ramaphosa will, prior to leading the community engagement, meet with the Northern Cape Provincial Executive of House of Traditional and Khoi-san Leaders.     

Details of the DDM Presidential Imbizo are as follows:

Date: Thursday, 09 May 2024

Time: 11h00

Venue: Batlharos Sports Ground, Ga-Segonyana, John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, Northern Cape Province

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President, on media@enquiries.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Water Task Team, has today, Wednesday, 08 May 2024, successfully concluded a visit to Rand Water Zuikerbosch Plant in Vereeniging, Gauteng Province.

The Water Task Team was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to address water challenges in various areas in the country.

Rand Water is the largest bulk water utility in Africa and is one of the largest in the world, providing bulk potable water to more than 11 million people in Gauteng, parts of Mpumalanga, the Free State and North West – an area that stretches over 18 000 km2.

 “In our efforts to avert a water crisis in Gauteng province and other municipalities around the nation, it is imperative that we have strategic engagements and collaboration with the Rand Water leadership in order to urgently find solutions to this pressing issue," said the Deputy President.

During the engagement, the Deputy President received an update on Rand Water’s efforts aimed at ensuring the efficient provision of water to residents of the Gauteng Province. With a global reputation for providing high quality water, its customer base includes metropolitan municipalities, local municipalities, mines and large industries in Gauteng and surrounding areas.

The Deputy President commended efforts by Rand Water to ensure that millions of people have access to water on a constant basis, as this has a significant impact on the well-being of the society as it relates to socio-economic factors such as health, food security and general welfare.

As part of the visit, the Deputy President undertook a guided tour of the water purification plant at Zuikerbosch Station 5A, built to ensure sustainable water supply, and meet the current and future water demands. The water purification plant is part of the Rand Water’s capital expenditure projects and seeks to bring more capacity to the water utility system to ensure water security.

 “I am eager to collaborate closely with the Rand Water leadership to identify a preventative measure against the impending water scarcity crisis. It is widely recognised that water is essential for sustaining life, and ensuring access to an adequate amount of water is a basic duty outlined in the Constitution, which states that "Everyone has the right to have access to sufficient food and water," said the Deputy President.

The Deputy President was supported by the Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele; Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr David Mahlobo; Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance, Mr Parks Tau as well and as well as senior government officials.

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to Deputy President Mashatile on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Presidency
 

Programme Director,
His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa,
Ms M Ramokgopa, Minister for Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation,
Ms P Kekana, Deputy Minister for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation,
Deputy Ministers in The Presidency, DM Morolong and DM Motaung,
Distinguished speakers and guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

30 years of freedom and democracy in South Africa is a journey through triumphs, challenges, and ongoing progress. It's a testament to the resilience and spirit of a nation that has overcome immense adversity to embrace unity, democracy, and equality.

While milestones like the end of apartheid have been monumental, there's recognition of the work still ahead to address systemic issues and ensure that freedom truly reaches every corner of society. It's a time to celebrate progress, honor those who fought for change, and commit to building a future where every South African can thrive.

For some, 30 years may seem like a long time, yet when we consider what the democratic state inherited in 1994, it was always clear that our journey would be long and with many highs and lows. In 1994, we were a fractured nation.

The very fabric of our country had been torn apart by apartheid’s policies, which had systematically excluded black South Africans to the fringes of society. Planning and development in South Africa before 1994 was fragmented, thus enabling their exclusion and marginalisation from developmental opportunities.

As His Excellency, President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa said during the State of the Nation Address in February this year, and I quote:

“Over the last three decades, we have been on a journey, striving together to achieve a new society – a national democratic society. Just as we cannot deny the progress South Africans have made over the last 30 years, nor should we diminish the severe challenges that we continue to face. We have endured times of great difficulty, when the strength of our constitutional democracy has been severely tested.”

Ladies and gentlemen,

Against this backdrop, I say this with conviction as we gather here today the South African story as it is, continues to inspire millions of people all over the world especially those who continue to wage struggles against oppression.

Since we are going to launch the Review of 30 years of Government, allow me to allude to the third party comments about South Africa:

1. According to the World Bank, South Africa is the leading economy in the African continent with nominal GDP of over $US373 billion.

2. Gross Tax revenue collection increased from R147,3 billion in 1996 to R2,155 trillion in 2023/2024 - the ever growing economy, while facing headwinds at present, has demonstrated the ability to create jobs and employment despite historical and structural challenges.

3. South Africa has 750 000km road network, and it ranks 11th amongst the countries with largest road network. 159, 272 km of SA road network is paved / tarred and ranks 19th globally.

Mr President, it is no small feat that South Africa has achieved universal access to education for children between the ages  of 7 - 15 years  and we are on track to achieve universal access to Early Childhood Development. Through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, and its predecessor TEFSA, the Government continues to break generational poverty with families and households having first time graduates, something many would not have dared dreamt of.

The World Bank reckons that we have been achieve this because South Africa on education outspends the P5 countries (permanent members of the Security Council – the US, UK, Germany, Russia and China), you can even add France, Italy, India and Australia. The South African Government spends 6.2% on education as share of GDP.

So, South Africa of today is much better than the South Africa of 1994, but they say – a picture says it best. Allow the video complied by Brand South Africa say it for me.

Thank you.

Programme Director,
Minister for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ms Maropene Ramokgopa,
Minister in the Presidency, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni,
Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Ms Pinky Kekana,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Members of Parliament,
Directors-General,
Officials,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Fellow South Africans, 

It is a great pleasure to be here at the launch of the 30 Year Review Report on the work we have collectively undertaken to build a democratic, prosperous and free South Africa. 

This vision of a free South Africa has inspired and guided the struggle of our people for many decades and for many generations.

It is this vision that lies at the heart of the Freedom Charter, which was adopted at the Congress of the People in Kliptown nearly seven decades ago. 

The brave men and women of South Africa pledged in Kliptown to strive together, sparing neither strength nor courage, until the democratic changes set out in the Freedom Charter had been won. 

It was on this day, the 8th of May, in 1996, that the Constitutional Assembly adopted our new democratic Constitution.

The Constitution that was adopted on that day gave legal form to the vision contained in the Freedom Charter and continues to guide both the functioning and the direction of our democracy.

While this 30 Year Review is about the journey South Africa has traversed since the advent of democracy, it is also a reflection on progress towards the aspirations of the Freedom Charter and our democratic Constitution.

This Review is undertaken as a tribute to all those who fought for our freedom, and for all South Africans who have worked together to build and enrich our democracy.

The scope of the 30 Year Review Report is not only retrospective. It also looks to the future. 

The insights it has generated will inform future Government planning.

It will assist us as we work to achieve the vision of the National Development Plan by 2030 and as we plan for the decades ahead. 

The Report will also contribute towards improved policy implementation. 

The democratic breakthrough of 1994 represented both a decisive break with a painful past and an opportunity for South Africa to chart a new course.

South Africa is a vastly different place compared to what it was 30 years ago. 

Guided by our Constitution and its Bill of Rights, successive democratic administrations have implemented progressive policies and programmes to uplift the material condition of all South Africans, particularly society’s most vulnerable.

These policies have included the provision of basic services, housing, education, health care and social support. 

We have established a unitary, democratic state and created institutions to uphold democracy and promote accountability. 

We have an independent judiciary, a robust civil society, a free media and a clear separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. 

We have advanced transformative policies to change the racial and gender composition of the economy and the workplace. We have implemented laws to protect workers and advance their rights.

We have restored land to many who had been dispossessed and have provided emerging farmers with the means to productively use their land.

South Africa today is a valued member of the international fellowship of nations. We pursue a progressive foreign policy rooted in advancing the African Agenda, in social justice and solidarity, and in support of multilateralism.

Yet we know that still much more needs to be done.

We are contending with slow economic growth, high unemployment, poverty, inequality and underdevelopment. 

We know that for millions of South Africans, the promise of 1994 has not yet translated into the meaningful change that they seek and deserve. 

That is why we must, and we will, continue to work in earnest to resolve the challenges that are holding back our progress. 

We continue our efforts to overcome the energy crisis, to implement structural reforms to boost economic growth, to drive programmes that create more employment, and to improve the capacity of the state to deliver services.

What is made clear by this Review Report is that the task of consolidating our democratic gains is not just the responsibility of the state. It is a responsibility that we all share. 

Just as we stood together to overcome COVID-19, just as we have united to confront other crises, we can overcome this period of difficulty in the life of our nation together.

If we are to fully transform this country, we must renew the same pledge made by our forebears at Kliptown – to strive, sparing neither strength nor courage, until the democratic transformation is complete.

I congratulate the Department of Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation, the various Government departments and all those who have had a role in compiling the 30 Year Review Report.

It has been a substantial undertaking, executed with care and diligence. 

The value of this report is that it is backed by solid research and credible, verifiable and accurate data. 

It has been said that progress is about enhancing what is and in advancing towards what will be. 

Our goal is a better South Africa, a transformed South Africa, a South Africa that leaves no-one behind. 

The story of 30 years of democracy contained in this report is an honest and critical appraisal. It presents both light and shade, both progress and challenges. 

It is a vital reference for anyone who wants to understand the last 30 years and for everyone who wants to look into our future.

It is our hope and expectation that this Review Report will be studied in detail and that its findings will be applied.

This 30 Year Review Report is much more than a chronicle of a changing nation.

As we chart the path ahead for our democracy, we will look to this Report as a valuable instrument for transformation, progress and growth.

Let us make this a living document that inspires, encourages and guides us as we continue to build a democratic, prosperous and free South Africa. 

I thank you.

The South African Presidency and Business for South Africa (B4SA) continue to collaborate on strategic initiatives to address challenges within the key focal areas of energy, transport and logistics, and crime and corruption, in order to grow the economy and restore investor and public confidence.

Media are invited to attend a virtual briefing on Thursday, 9 May, hosted by Mr Rudi Dicks, the Head of the Project Management Office in the Private Office of the President and Mr Martin Kingston, Chairman of the B4SA Steering Committee.

Representatives from the joint initiative and workstream leads will be in attendance to assist with your questions.

Media are invited as follows:
Date: Thursday, 9 May 2024
Time: 08:30 – 09:30
Link: Join Zoom Meeting

https://owg.zoom.us/j/92488642391?pwd=VUhZeGNnQ0xOR2Z4T1drVVZWUG96Zz09 
Meeting ID: 924 8864 2391
Passcode: 015965

Please RSVP to:
Rachel Quigley, Chloe Payne
Instinctif Partners
B4SA@instinctif.com

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa condemns in the strongest terms a Democratic Alliance election advertisement which depicts the burning of the national flag.

The President believes this depiction is desperate and inciteful and undermines the principles of democracy and unity in the midst of the national celebration of 30 Years of Freedom and the preservation of tolerance and peace in the build-up to the 29 May national and provincial elections.

President Ramaphosa said: “All South Africans should deplore this abuse of our national flag for party political purposes.

“Our flag is a symbol of identity, integrity and unity that we fly with a pride and consciousness that transcends party political interests.

“Our flag holds profound significance for the nation as it represents the hard-won freedoms and peace achieved through historical struggles against injustice. 

“As government, we firmly defend the right to freedom of expression, with the expectation that this right be exercised with respect for all people and that it does not incite social upheaval or violence.

“To manipulate or exploit national symbols for personal or partisan gain is disrespectful and also undermines the essence of democracy and civic responsibility.

“It is our shared responsibility to ensure that our elections free, fair and dignified.”

The President calls on all political parties and South Africans to uphold the dignity of all national symbols and to conduct themselves in ways that foster unity and progress for all. 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Programme Director, Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza,
Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi,
Premier of Limpopo, Mr Stan Mathabatha,
Executive Mayor of Waterberg District Municipality, Cllr SM Mataboge,
Mayor of Mogalakwena Local Municipality, Cllr N Taueatsoala,
Distinguished guests,
People of Mokopane,
Fellow South Africans,

Dumelang. Avuxeni. Ndi Matsheloni. Goeie môre. Livukile. Sanibonani. Good Morning. 

It is a great pleasure to be here today with the residents of Mokopane to launch these new trucks, which are going to make a huge difference in the lives of the people of Limpopo. 

We are bringing Government to the people.

The programme we are launching is called Home Affairs on Wheels, and it is going to change the provision of Home Affairs services for the better across South Africa. 

We don’t just want to make it easier. We want to make it faster and we want to make it cheaper. 

For many people, especially in the rural areas, travelling to reach Government services can take a lot of time and be expensive. 

With these mobile offices, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on transport to go into town to apply for services from the Department of Home Affairs.

It has now become easier because Home Affairs is coming to you.

Today we are launching these mobile offices, where you will be able to apply for a smart ID, a passport, a birth certificate, a marriage certificate or a death certificate on site.

A total of one hundred trucks will now go into service, adding to the 20 that we rolled out last year.

We are planning to order at least 100 trucks every year until we reach a total of one thousand.

We have also opened a new Department of Home Affairs office here in Mokopane, which will further help you to access these services.

These mobile offices are fully-equipped and will be fully connected wherever they are situated, even in rural areas.

This new fleet of mobile Home Affairs offices won’t be moving constantly around the provinces. They will be available in a village or town at a particular time so that people can know when to go there.

We are planning to take these mobile offices to schools so that learners who need the services don’t have to take days off school. 

The Department of Home Affairs will soon be unveiling a kiosk model that allows you to access services just like withdrawing money at an ATM. 

Once this system is up and running you will be able to use this walk-in kiosk to do things like applying for replacement copies of a birth, marriage or death certificate. You will also be able to use the kiosk to apply for a passport or a smart ID card.

Another way we have taken Government’s services to you, the people, is by opening Home Affairs offices in hospitals for birth registrations. This has made a big difference in the rate of civil registrations and we hope it will continue to bring down the number of late registrations of births.

Apart from the 412 Home Affairs offices in different parts of the country, the Department has been able to expand the reach of services through partnerships with banks, with shopping malls and with expanded offices like the one we are launching in Mokopane today.

To the people of Mokopane, 

I call on each of you to see these new Home Affairs trucks as your own and to treat them as your own. 

Take pride in them and help us to care for them. 

These trucks are assets meant for the benefit of all people and all communities.

This year marks 30 years since we attained our freedom.

With the advent of democracy, we set out on the path to restore the dignity of all South Africans.

During apartheid, the regime denied black South Africans their dignity by controlling where we lived, worked and travelled.

They used influx control to deny the country’s majority access to work and other opportunities, and forced them to carry a dompas to make them strangers in their own country.

Since 1994 we have progressively built a Department of Home Affairs that is the custodian and protector of the citizens of South Africa and other people who are legally resident here.

By recognising people’s legal identity and by providing them with the necessary documentation, the Department is helping them to lead lives of dignity. 

It ensures their right to access public services and social protection.

It allows them to vote, to find work, to open bank accounts and to travel beyond our borders.

The civil registration statistics generated by the Department of Home Affairs guides our decisions, policymaking, planning, monitoring and evaluation.

Since democracy we have taken important steps to ensure that civil registration is made as accessible as possible.

The opening of the expanded Home Affairs office here in Mokopane and the introduction of these mobile offices are a great leap forward.

Allow me to thank all those who have been part of this successful launch and to congratulate the Department of Home Affairs for its efforts.

Let us continue to work together to build South Africa. 

Let us ensure that everyone in the country can access the services they need.

Let us leave no-one behind.

I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law two Bills expanding financial resources for South Africa’s multiparty democracy, including support for independent candidates and representatives.

The President has assented to the Second Adjustments Appropriation Bill which provides for a net movement of R290 million across functions and economic classifications in line with the requirements of the state.

Furthermore, the Bill provides additional financial support to a number of departments and institutions, including R200 million to the Department of Home Affairs for the purpose of transferring the money to the Independent Electoral Commission for the Represented Political Parties Fund.

The aim of the Fund is to provide funding for political parties represented in the national and provincial legislatures.

Resources for this fund are provided annually from the National Revenue Fund and are distributed to political parties represented in the National Assembly or in any provincial legislature.

By providing for this funding, the Second Adjustments Appropriation Bill gives effect to the provision of Section 236 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, which directs that national legislation must provide for the funding of political parties participating in national and provincial legislatures on an equitable and proportional basis.”

President Ramaphosa has similarly assented to the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill which, among other provisions, amends the Political Party Funding Act of 2018 to provide for the regulation of the private and public funding of independent candidates and independent representatives.

The Bill makes consequential amendments to the Electoral Act of 1998, the Electoral Commission Act of 1996 and other relevant legislation, which arise from the introduction of independent candidates and independent representatives in the National Assembly and provincial legislature.

In this context, the new legislation provides for independent representatives to receive funds from the Multi-Party Democracy Fund, which is also administered by the Independent Electoral Commission.

While the Represented Political Parties Fund is resourced by the fiscus, the Multi-Party Democracy Fund aims to raise and distribute donated funds from the private sector to represented political parties. The Fund will now include independent candidates.

President Ramaphosa said: “In a year in which voters are presented with the greatest diversity of electoral choice, the legislation that is now enacted constitutes tangible, material support for a vibrant, competitive, open and equitable electoral system and democratic culture.”

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the relatives and friends of five people who have died in an incident where a building collapsed in George in the southern Cape.

The collapse occurred yesterday afternoon, Monday, 6 May 2024.

The President’s thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones as well as the families of close to 50 people who are trapped in the rubble.

President Ramaphosa wishes rescue teams the best as they go about their operations and says investigations into the cause of the incident must aim to bring closure to the community and prevent a repeat of this disaster.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President, on media@enquiries.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria