President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled government’s Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP) at a special virtual meeting of the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) held today, Friday, 4 November 2022.
 
Today’s engagement formed part of South Africa’s preparation for the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference, more commonly referred as COP27, which will take place in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, from 6 November. 
 
President Ramaphosa will travel to the Summit next week as leader of the South African Government delegation.
 
Recently, the Cabinet and Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on the Just Energy Transition Partnership endorsed the Investment Plan (JET-IP) as the basis for widespread public discussion on South Africa’s pathway towards a low carbon and climate resilient society.
 
Government will engage with different sectors on the investment plan, including through the Presidential Climate Commission which will facilitate discussion among different stakeholders in society.
 
The investment plan outlines government’s comprehensive priority investment and financing interventions required to achieve decarbonisation commitments and ensuring an equitable and just transition.
 
The investment plan comes a year since the announcement of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) forged at the global climate conference, COP26, in November 2021. The partnership is aimed at supporting South Africa’s energy transition. The International Partner Group working with South Africa on this initiative comprises France, Germany, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
 
Addressing the Commission today, President Ramaphosa said South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Investment Plan outlined the scale of need and the investments required to achieve the country’s decarbonisation commitments, “and to do so while promoting sustainable development and ensuring a just transition for affected workers and communities.
 
“It is about addressing the global risks of climate change while creating jobs and driving more rapid and inclusive economic growth.”
 
President Ramaphosa emphasised the need for adequate financial support for a just transition that must include a significantly larger grant funding component to ensure the implementation of active labour market policies, reskilling and upskilling as well as the creation of new industries on a considerable scale.
 
Emphasising the need for continuous dialogue, transparency and stakeholder ownership of the plan, Deputy Chairperson of the Commission, Mr Valli Moosa said: “The successful catalysation of priority interventions under JET IP and the broader just energy aspirations of South Africa rely on on-going engagement and inclusion of all social partners to ensure our country plans reflect the needs of affected constituencies and achieves a just and inclusive impact.”
 
Mr Daniel Mminele, Head of the Presidential Climate Finance Task Team, underscored for the Commission the key features of the investment plan which is aimed at supporting South Africa’s goal of establishing a low-carbon and climate-resilient society.
 
The investment plan recognises that fossil fuel-dependent countries such as South Africa require significant support for a just energy transition, aligned with developed economies’ obligations to support developing economies under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Climate Agreement.
 
The investment plan contributes to building resilience to transition risks and fostering social preparedness as South Africa shifts its energy system and grows new green industries.
 
Funding support through the the Just Energy Transition Partnership is an an important contribution to the achieving the ambition set out in the investment plan.
 
The portfolio of investments and other interventions in the investment plan reflect an intersectoral and just transition approach and focuses on location and sector-specific vulnerabilities.
 
President Ramaphosa has announced the appointment of new members to the Presidential Climate Commission.
 
The new commissioners are:
• Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana Secretary general of the SA Council of Churches, 
• Dr Shafik Adams, of the Water Research Commission; 
• Mr Lungisa Fuzile, Chief Executive of Standard Bank SA,
• Ms Zama Khanyile, from the National Empowerment Fund, and
• Mr Nicholaas Janse van Rensburg Rabie of Agri SA.
 
“I welcome you and look forward to your selfless contribution and engagement and in the same breath thank commissioners who served the country in this sector since the inception of this Commission,” said President Ramaphosa.
 
The investment plan can be accessed on www.presidency.gov.za.
 
 
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – 082 835 6315
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) will hold a Special Sitting today, Friday 4 November 2022, at which President Cyril Ramaphosa will set out Government’s priority investment and financing interventions under the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan.
 
Cabinet and the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Just Energy Transition Partnership recently agreed that there may now be broader consultation on the investment plan.
 
South Africa has entered into a Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) with  Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union to support South Africa’s phasing-out of coal and reduce potentially negative consequences on workers, communities and the economy.
 
The President will update the Commission in his capacity as Chair of this independent, statutory, multi-stakeholder body established to oversee and facilitate a just and equitable transition towards a low-emissions and climate-resilient economy.
 
Today’s engagement forms part of South Africa’s preparation for the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference, more commonly referred to as Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC, or COP27, which will take place in Sharm El Sheikh from 6 November. President Ramaphosa will travel to the Summit next week as leader of the South African Government delegation.
 
Under the Just Energy Transition Partnership South Africa ahead of COP27 requires a financing package that is aligned to the country’s fiscal realities and demands; upholds the development and climate finance principles and obligations that are due to developing countries, and is inclusive and just.
 
The Presidential Climate Commission is focused on creating a social partnership around a just transition; defining a vision for a just transition, and means of achieving that vision, covering the necessary sectoral shifts, technological innovation, employment opportunities, and climate finance, as well as conducting independent analysis into climate change impacts on jobs, the economy, and policy.
 
To these ends, the Commission engages with a wide range of stakeholders, including all spheres of government, business, labour, academia, communities, and civil society.
 
Today’s session will take place on a virtual platform from 16h00 to 17h30 online to receive and consider an update on the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JETIP).
 
Media may view the briefing via live streaming on the South African Government and Presidential Climate Commission social media channel and website on the links below:
 
Facebook: http://facebook.com/GovernmentZA  
Twitter: http://twitter.com/GCISMedia
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GovernmentZA  
 
And/or

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/climatecommission
Website: https://www.climatecommission.org.za/
 

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

Presidential Climate Change Commission

Today, Friday, 4 November 2022, President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the presidential climate commission on the just energy transition investment plan. The President, as the chair of the commission will provide the meeting with government’s priority investment and financing interventions of the JETIP as recently approved by cabinet and the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on the Just Energy Transition Partnership for broader consultations. The session is scheduled to start at 16h00 and end at 17h30.

COP 27 Egypt

On Monday, 7 November 2022, President Ramaphosa will lead South Africa’s delegation to Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt to attend the Twenty-seventh Conference of Parties (COP 27). The Minister in The Presidency, Mr. Mondli Gungubele, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor and Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Ms Barbara Creecy will support the President during the negotiations.  

The President’s focus will be on securing maximum ambition in terms of climate action, the honoring of previous commitments and the provision of enabling means of implementation support for developing countries including South Africa. 

With COP 27 taking place in Africa, it presents an opportunity to advance African priority issues, namely. 

•    Raising the ambitions on mitigation, adaptation and support to developing countries.
•    Advance financing arrangements for loss and damage.
•    Build on progress made in Glasgow on the importance of Just Transitions.
•    Advance discussions on the special needs and circumstance of Africa.

Kenya State Visit 

At the invitation of H.E. Dr William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, President Ramaphosa will undertake a State Visit to Kenya on the 9 November 2022. The bilateral discussions will focus on, multilateral, economic, regional and continental issues. The visit will include a Business Forum focusing on trade and investment between Kenya and South Africa. 

According to the World Bank, Kenya is East Africa’s largest economy and gateway to the region with a GDP that stands at over USD 110 billion as of 2021. Kenya is South Africa’s largest trading partner outside the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, making South Africa the biggest seller of goods to Kenya on the continent. 

South Africa exported over R6 billion worth of goods to Kenya in 2021. As of April 2022, exports to Kenya have been valued at over R2 billion. 

The state visit to Kenya, offers both countries the opportunity to build on the momentum created by the November state visit last year by former President Kenyatta and to strengthen and deepen bilateral relations and cooperation between South Africa and the new Kenyan Administration. 

Energy/NECOM Update

In his address to the nation on 25 July 2022, President Ramaphosa announced a bold set of actions to address load shedding and achieve energy security. One the of the key commitments the President made was the South African Police Service constituting a special law enforcement team to help Eskom confront crime and corruption. 

The National Joint Operational Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) continues to coordinate the work of multiple agencies to address sabotage, theft and fraud at Eskom. In this regard, 67 cases are on the court roll and three have been finalised with a conviction. T

his a significant step towards ridding Eskom of rogue elements that undermine one of the key tenets of achieving the country’s energy security, which is the fixing of Eskom and improving the operational performance of existing power stations.  

SONA Commitments Updates and Presidency Achievements

In the interest of transparency and accountability, the Presidency would like to encourage members of the media and the public to track progress on the implementation of the SONA 2022 commitments by visiting the Presidency SONA portal, www.stateofthenation.gov.za 

At the last media briefing, we also shared a summary of achievements of the Ramaphosa led administration. Today, we would like to focus on efforts to END STATE CAPTURE AND CORRUPTION and these are; 

•    The appointment of new leadership at the Hawks, which has restored the credibility and stability of the institution and led to action against corruption. Since 2018, the Hawks have secured 4,500 convictions for corruption and other priority crimes.
•    The appointment of a new National Director of Public Prosecutions on the recommendations of an independent panel following a transparent public process.
•    The establishment of the NPA Investigating Directorate to prosecute state capture and other significant corruption cases. The Investigating Directorate has by August 2022 enrolled over 20 corruption cases and charged 65 accused.
•    The appointment of the SIU Special Tribunal to expedite civil claims against corrupt individuals and the recovery of stolen funds. Since its establishment, it has recovered over R8.6 billion.
•    The administration undertook measures to end corruption and politicisation at the State Security Agency, including the appointment of new leadership and implementation of recommendations of a High-Level Panel on the SSA. 
•    Lastly, this administration amended the State Capture Commission regulations to enable sharing of information and resources with the NPA on state capture cases. The several high profile cases that are before the courts bear testament to the success of the enablement provided by the Ramaphosa administration to law enforcement agencies in support of their fight against corruption. 

Kgathatso Tlhakudi and Protected Disclosure Claims

The Presidency noted with concern a Sunday newspaper story accusing the DG in the Presidency Ms Phindile Baleni and the President’s Special Advisor Dr Bejani Chauke of a cover-up following a protected disclosure by the suspended DG of the department of Public Enterprises, Mr Tlhakudi. 

The Presidency rejects these false, unsubstantiated and baseless claims. The so-called protected disclosure reached the Presidency halfway through the disciplinary process against Mr Tlhakudi who lost his labour court bid to have his suspension overturned.

Mr Hangwani Maumela

To the extent that Maumela is the son of the President’s ex brother-in-law, the President has no further knowledge of Maumela nor has he ever had any relationship with him. Furthermore, President does not have any knowledge of Mr Maumela’s business dealings neither was he aware of his involvement with the Tembisa Hospital or any other state entity. 

The President expects law enforcement agencies to conduct their investigations without any fear or favour, regardless of who may be involved and to arrest those who are or were party to malfeasance. 

In the exercise and fulfilment of his constitutional powers the President remains duty bound to always act in accordance to the constitution and his oath of office. This he does without any fear or favour. SIU Proclamations are never signed based on the individuals involved. 

The Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals act no.74 of 1996 sets out guidelines in which the President may exercise his powers. The President considers every application by the SIU on its merits and he will certainly sign such a proclamation should the SIU, as it so often does, motivate for the need for such an investigation.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya will tomorrow, Friday, 04 November 2022, update the public, through a media briefing, on the President’s public engagements programme for the week.  
 
The spokesperson also utilises the media briefing to update the public on the President’s programme of action and address topical issue of public and media interest. 
 
Members of the media are invited as follows:
Date: Friday, 04 November 2022
Time: 9h00 for 9h30
Venue: Imbizo Media Centre, 120 Plain Street, Cape Town 
 
RSVP: Media wishing to attend are requested to submit their details to Terrence Manase – 082 338 6707 / terrence@presidency.gov.za no later than 8h00 on Friday, 04 November 2022. 
 
 
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - +27 82 835 6315
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will today, Thursday, 3 November 2022, engage with Members of the National Assembly on key national issues, including stabilising the supply of electricity to households and industry.

The President’s response to questions for oral reply at 14h00 will be the last such engagement with the National Assembly for the 2022 Parliamentary Year.

During today’s session the President will also outline progress in infrastructure development that is directed towards overcoming spatial inequality in the country and in unequal access to social services such as water, sanitation, education and health.

President Ramaphosa will also spell out the role of the Presidential Climate Commission in developing South Africa’s climate change commitments as part of the country’s clean and just transition towards climate neutrality.

On a different subject, the President will elaborate on the importance of broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) in the country’s efforts to build an inclusive and sustainable economy.

The President will also provide his vision for the contribution the South African aviation industry can play in regional connectivity and the realisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will today, Thursday, 3 November 2022, engage with Members of the National Assembly on key national issues, including stabilising the supply of electricity to households and industry.

The President’s response to questions for oral reply at 14h00 will be the last such engagement with the National Assembly for the 2022 Parliamentary Year.

During today’s session the President will also outline progress in infrastructure development that is directed towards overcoming spatial inequality in the country and in unequal access to social services such as water, sanitation, education and health.

President Ramaphosa will also spell out the role of the Presidential Climate Commission in developing South Africa’s climate change commitments as part of the country’s clean and just transition towards climate neutrality.

On a different subject, the President will elaborate on the importance of broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) in the country’s efforts to build an inclusive and sustainable economy.

The President will also provide his vision for the contribution the South African aviation industry can play in regional connectivity and the realisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, 01 November 2022, address the second Presidential Summit on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide at Gallagher Estate in Midrand. 
 
The Summit will take place  on 1 and 2 November 2022, under the theme: “Accountability. Acceleration and Amplification, NOW!”
 
The Summit will reflect on the work undertaken since the first Presidential Summit on GBVF in November 2018, report on key successes and challenges, and outline clear strategies to overcome them.
 
The President’s address will be as follows:  
Date: 1 November 2022
Time: 11:50
Venue: Gallagher Estate, Midrand
 
NB: Members of the media were  invited to apply for accreditation by no later than Monday, 24 October 2022 at 12h00.
 
 
Media enquires: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President on +27 82 835 6315
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated Mr Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his successful election to the position of President of the Republic of Brazil. 

Mr da Silva, who served as President of Brazil from 2003 to 2010, won the general election held on 02 October 2022. 

President Ramaphosa said South Africa looks forward to working with the government of Brazil under the leadership of Mr da Silva, adding that the two developing countries share a of number of common challenges and aspirations at the socio-economic level. 

President Ramaphosa said South Africa and Brazil cooperate at various levels, including BRICS and numerous country-to-country, inter-regional and global mechanisms.

President Ramaphosa extended his congratulatory message to the people of Brazil for the successful manner in which they conducted the election.


Media enquires: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President on +27 82 835 6315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent messages of condolence to the Republic of India and the Federal Republic of Somalia following disasters that have led to the tragic deaths of scores of people in the two countries. 

In India, more than 140 people perished following the collapse of a bridge in the state of Gurarat during Diwali festivities. 

In Somalia, an explosion in the capital Mogadishu claimed the lives of about 100 people, with scores of others reported injured. 

President Ramaphosa said the thoughts of the people of South Africa are with the Indian and Somali families that have lost their loved ones. President Ramaphosa wished all the injured speedy recoveries.


Media enquires: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President on +27 82 835 6315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Mr Imtiaz Fazel as the Inspector-General of Intelligence for a period of five years with effect from 1 November 2022, following approval by the National Assembly of Mr Fazel’s nomination for the position.

The National Assembly approval followed a public process in which 25 persons applied for the position and 12 were interviewed by the Joint Standing Committee in Intelligence.

The Intelligence Services Oversight Act mandates the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI) to recommend a candidate for approval by at least two thirds of the National Assembly Members.

Following National Assembly approval, the name of the candidate is submitted to the President to consider the nominee for appointment as Inspector-General.

The President has appointed Mr Fazel in accordance with Section 210(b) of the Constitution, read in conjunction with Section 7(1) of the Intelligence Services Oversight Act of 1994.

The Inspector-General monitors and reviews the operations of the intelligence services, including the State Security Agency, the Defence Intelligence Division of the South African National Defence Force and the Crime Intelligence Division of the South African Police Service.

Mr Fazel’s appointment is a continuation of the attention President Ramaphosa is giving to strengthening the capability of the state, including the security sector.

Mr Fazel is a former Chief Operating Officer – at the level of Deputy Director-General - in the Office of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and a former Deputy Director-General in the Office of the Director-General of the State Security Agency.

From 2015 to 2020, he served as Deputy Director-General: Governance, Risk and Compliance in the Department of Public Works, following which he served as Acting Director-General in the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.

Mr Fazel has obtained a Master’s Degree in Security Studies from the University of Pretoria and holds a Bachelor of Accounting Science Degree from the University of South Africa.

He holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Accounting from the University of the Western Cape and is a member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, among other achievements.

The President offers Mr Fazel his best wishes and support in his role as Inspector-General of Intelligence, which is a critical function that contributes to making the country and the world a safer place and advancing the country’s national interest.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria