President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday, 07 February 2023, deliver a keynote address at the Investing in African Mining Indaba, aimed at driving investments in Africa.

The Mining Indaba is taking place from 06-09 February 2023 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, under the theme ‘Unlocking African Mining Investment: Stability, Security, and Supply’.

The Indaba is the largest mining investment event in Africa attended by Heads of State and Government, senior government representatives, mining industry leaders and investors from all over world.

President Ramaphosa’s participation is part of the Government's continuous efforts to secure investment in the country, including in the mining sector; engaging with different sectors and stakeholders in the economy, and building partnerships on the continent and around the world.

As part of Government's accelerated efforts to restore a reliable and electricity supply, the Indaba is an important platform for engagement among public and private sector actors on sustainable solutions to the power challenges crippling the South African economy and the move to green energy.

President Ramaphosa recently unveiled a R1.5 trillion, five-year investment plan to bolster the country's just transition to a greener economy.

The President will be accompanied by Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Mr Gwede Mantashe.

The President’s keynote address will take place as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 07 February 2023
Time: 09h00
Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre

Media accreditation enquiries should be directed to Paul Sinclair on Paul.Sinclair@hyve.group and Sherilee Lakmidas on sherilee@rasc.co.za and indaba@rasc.co.za   

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Directors, Minister Zizi Kodwa and MEC Kenetswe Mosenogi,
Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Mme Humile Mashatile;
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Premier of North West, Mr Bushy Maape
MECs, MPs and MPLs,
Executive Mayor of the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, Cllr Nikiwe Num,
Executive Mayor of the Matlosana Local Municipality, Cllr Nonhlupheko Tsolela,
Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Rudzani Maphwanya,
Members of the judiciary,
Leaders of political parties and civil society formations,
Members of the diplomatic corps,
Traditional and religious leaders in our midst, 
Guests, 
Fellow South Africans, 

Dumelang. Goeie môre. Molweni. Sanibonani. Kgotsong. Lotjhani. Ndi matsheloni. Nhlekanhi. Good Morning. 

Today, all across the country, we are celebrating the day on which we gave birth to a new nation. 

On the 27th of April 1994, South Africans of all races, languages and creeds stood in long winding queues to exercise the democratic right for which so many have fought and for which so many have sacrificed.

On Freedom Day, not only do we celebrate this defining moment on our nation’s long journey to freedom, but we also reaffirm our shared commitment to the promise of that momentous day.

On Freedom Day, we recall the great progress that has been made in nearly three decades of democracy, but we also acknowledge that so much of the promise of 1994 still needs to be realised.

It is on this occasion that we rededicate ourselves to work with greater purpose and unity to give full effect and meaning to freedom in our land.

It is fitting that the national celebration of Freedom Day is taking place here in Matlosana, which carries both the pain of our past and the promise of our future.

The site of a concentration camp for Africans during the Anglo-Boer War, Matlosana has a history of dispossession and exploitation. 

One of the best-known sons of this area, Desmond Mpilo Tutu, was six years old when his family and many others were thrown out of their homes in the vibrant community of Makweteng to clear the area for white settlement. 

Matlosana was home to a mining industry which, under apartheid, was responsible for the exploitation of mineworkers, paying them a pittance and exposing them to terrible working and living conditions. 

It was here that the National Union of Mineworkers was founded in 1982 to fight for the rights and the dignity of mineworkers. 

It was here in Matlosana that the Klerksdorp Christian Academy was founded in 1989 as one of the first multi-racial schools in the area, only to be bombed by right-wingers during the transition to democracy.

Matlosana, like so many places in South Africa, has known great suffering, but it has also been a place of resistance, struggle and hope.

The changes that have taken place in Matlosana since the advent of democracy reflect the broader transformation underway in our country.

Today, mineworkers and other vulnerable workers have rights that those who came before them were denied. These include the right to be compensated if they are injured or become sick on duty. These include the right to organise, to full protection of our labour laws and to safe working and living conditions. 

Today, not only are all schools open to all races, but millions of learners from poor households attend no-fee schools. Every day 9 million learners receive a meal at school.

Last year just over 900,000 young people sat matric and more than 80 per cent passed. And more and more of the learners achieving bachelor passes are from no-fee schools. 

Today, through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme more than 700,000 young people from poor, working class backgrounds are being funded for tertiary studies. 

Since the advent of democracy, access to health care has improved. Many more South African households live in formal dwellings and have access to basic services. Social grants support around 18 million poor and vulnerable people.

This is what progress looks like. These are some of the fruits of democracy.

And yet, as every South African knows, we have still much more work to do.

Poverty, unemployment and inequality still define the lives of millions of our people.

At this time in particular, families across the country are experiencing great hardship and uncertainty.

Our country has been hit by a global financial crisis; political, social and economic shocks; worsening natural disasters; and the most severe global pandemic in over a century.

These setbacks have made the devastating apartheid legacy of inequality worse.

We are also now counting the cost of years of under-investment in our electricity, water, rail and port infrastructure. We are feeling the damaging effects of state capture and corruption and concerted efforts to weaken our public institutions.

As we work to rebuild and reconstruct, we face challenges that are far different to those experienced in the earliest days of democracy. 

We have to secure our energy future. We have to adapt to climate change. We have to grow our economy and create more jobs. We have to eradicate the scourge of gender-based violence and act against crime. 

Freedom cannot be meaningful when South African homes and businesses are without electricity for several hours in the day.

That is why we are using every means at our disposal to restore Eskom’s power stations and build new generating capacity as a matter of the greatest urgency.

The benefits of the progress we have made are not yet felt – load shedding has not abated – but we will soon experience the impact of the unprecedented investment being made in new power generation.

When we emerge from this crisis, our energy system will have been fundamentally transformed. It will be more stable, more reliable, more affordable, and more sustainable.

Freedom cannot be meaningful when more than 10 million South Africans are out of work.

That is why we need to pursue the far-reaching reforms we are undertaking to make our economy more competitive, more inclusive, and more attractive to investors.

It is because South Africans need jobs that we have raised our ambition in the next phase of our investment drive, to raise R2 trillion in new investment over the next five years. Having surpassed our investment target for the last five years, we are now working with all social partners to create conditions for businesses – both big and small – to thrive.

Freedom cannot be meaningful while communities live in fear of gangsters and women live in fear of men.

We have done much to improve the effectiveness of the police and strengthen the criminal justice system, but we need to do much more. 

In particular, we need to build durable partnerships of respect and cooperation between the police and communities, between the dedicated police officers and the people they have sworn to serve and protect.

We need to unite as a society to end the violence that is perpetrated by men against women and children. This is a fight that we must all take up – both men and women – if we want to achieve equal rights, freedoms, and opportunities for all.

As we undertake these great and difficult tasks, we are encouraged and inspired by those who brought freedom to our country and built our democracy.

Unlike so many had predicted, we have not turned on each other.

As South Africans of all races, we remain committed to working together to build the country of our dreams. 

Re sa ntse re tsamaya tsela mmogo.

We are still walking this path together.

Our Constitution is a shelter for all. 

It is a shelter for black and white; men and women; for different languages, cultures, and beliefs.

It is a shelter for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities; for urban and rural dwellers; and for those born in South Africa and those from elsewhere who have sought refuge here. 

As the words of the preamble to our Constitution declare: 

“South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity.” 

We should think of our country as a large South African family. 

There are quarrels, disagreements, and fights. There are seasons of plenty, but also times of scarcity. Sometimes things are good and other times they are bad. 

But even when times are bad, a family pulls together. 

Like all families do, let us come together to sort out our differences and solve our problems. 

We cannot build a better South Africa of equality, freedom, and social justice for all if we are a family that turns on itself. 

Let us focus on what unites us. Let us always remember just how far we have come. 

Let us take counsel from the elders among us, understanding that it is a desire to be of assistance that motivates them. 

As elders, let us listen to the hopes and dreams of the young, and take their concerns seriously. 

Family is family. 

Let us stand firm against the behaviour of those that want to destabilise the family.

Let us stand firm against corruption and the theft of state resources. 

Let us take a stand against public servants who neglect their responsibilities and duties. Let us take a stand against residents who refuse to pay for basic services even when they are obliged to do so, or who pay bribes to connect electricity or to make a traffic fine go away. 

Let us take action against businesses that avoid paying taxes, cheat their workers, break the law, and overcharge consumers. 

Let us all make our contribution to the success of the family. 

As citizens, especially as young South Africans, let us all register to vote next year. 

Just as the veterans of 1994 voted for transformation, so too must we. 

We must exercise our civic duty to ensure there is no place in this country for those who want to steal, loot and plunder. 

We must embrace the diversity that makes us strong, instead of fomenting hatred just because we disagree with each other. 

Let us safeguard our gains. Let us build on them. 

We owe it to the generations to come. 

Long may freedom reign in this land.

May God bless South Africa and protect her people. 

I wish you all a happy Freedom Day. 

I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has, on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, expressed his deep sadness at the large-scale loss of life and extent of injuries inflicted by an earthquake that has affected the nations of Türkiye and Syria.

Reportedly, at least 2 300 people have died in the two countries which were struck by an earthquake early today, Monday, 6 February 2023.

President Ramaphosa said: “Our nation and Government are deeply saddened by the unthinkable loss of life in Türkiye and Syria, and by the vast damage to social and economic infrastructure with which the two governments and populations are now confronted.

“Our hearts go out to families who have lost loved ones or are searching for relatives, and we wish injured survivors a full recovery.”

President Ramaphosa has expressed his appreciation to the South African humanitarian aid organisation, Gift of the Givers, which is joining the international response in Türkiye and Syria.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa today, 4 February 2023, welcomed the Right Honorable Prime Minister Mr. Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane of the Kingdom of Lesotho at his official residence, Mahlamba Ndlopfu, Pretoria, for a bi-lateral discussion on the progress being made in the Kingdom since the Prime Minister’s ascension to office and to further strengthen the historic bilateral relations between the two countries. 

President Ramaphosa again expressed his well wishes to the Prime Minister for his electoral success and appointment as the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho as well as the formation of the new government. President Ramaphosa also commended the People of Lesotho for achieving this great milestone.

“The successes recorded thus far towards the conclusion of the national reforms process is encouraging. I believe that, as per the Prime Minister’s undertaking, the new government will expedite its efforts and complete all outstanding matters to finalise the reform process and pass the outstanding Constitutional Amendment Bill,” said President Ramaphosa. 

President Ramaphosa expressed his personal commitment and South Africa`s continued readiness to support Basotho on the journey towards the Lesotho that the Basotho want.

On bilateral ties and friendship, South Africa attaches immense value to the bilateral cooperation with the Kingdom of Lesotho. In this regard, President Ramaphosa undertook to convene the inaugural Bi-National Commission (BNC) at mutually agreed date in 2023. 

The leaders also affirmed their commitments to multilateral institutions including their support of the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM). President Ramaphosa voiced his gratitude for the Kingdom’s contribution to SAMIM.  

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Your Excellency, President Sauli Niinistö and your delegation,
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of the Republic of South Africa, Mr. Ebrahim Patel,
Ministers from the Republic of Finland and South Africa,
Ambassadors,
Representatives of business from Finland and South Africa,
Industry representatives,
Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
Good evening.
 
It is my pleasure to welcome President Sauli Niinistö and the business delegation from Finland.
 
I have taken note of the report emanating from the Business Round Table and the tangible recommendations that have been made to deepen trade and investment between our two countries.
 
This State Visit is timely, with us having just concluded the first phase of a five-year investment target cycle that we embarked upon in 2018.
 
Over the past 5 years, we mobilised R1,5 trillion of new investment commitments in the South African economy, largely by the private sector.
 
Despite major challenges and disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic and devastating floods on our eastern seaboard, we were able to exceed our initial target and are proud of this.
 
Having exceeded our initial target of R1,2 trillion we have now set a new target R2 trillion in investment commitments by 2028.
 
I want to take this opportunity to encourage Finnish companies to participate in this new investment mobilization drive.
 
At last year’s 4th South Africa Investment Conference, a Finnish company, Huhtamaki pledged R150 million, and we want to see other companies from Finland follow suit.
 
Finnish companies have a presence in South Africa in the packaging, industrial cranes, metals, digitization, green finance, energy, fleet management and mining equipment sectors, amongst others.
 
Finnish business can also support Africa’s economic integration and intra-African trade.
 
This has become a major focus with the coming into operation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area. The AfCFTA brings together 54 national economies into the world’s largest free trade area.
 
By February this year 47 countries had ratified the AfCFTA, and we expect to shortly get into the implementation phase.
 
We have reviewed Finland’s Africa strategy and noted that you intend to double trade with Africa. Furthermore, you are committed to increasing investments from Finnish companies into Africa between 2020 and 2030.
 
Even though the volume of bilateral trade increased since 2018 South Africa currently has a negative trade balance with Finland.
 
We are looking for balanced trade in two respects. Firstly, that Finland imports more South African products to address the trade deficit.
 
Secondly, that more of those products are manufactured articles with high value-addition.
 
We have also noted in terms of Finland’s Africa strategy at least 50 per cent of the value of Finnfund’s new funding decision are geared towards investments in Africa.
 
We are ready for a partnership. Our team at InvestSA would be very keen to have discussions with yourselves to see how we can support Finnish companies with projects in South Africa to enable greater levels of funding for Finnfund.
 
South Africa’s value proposition is the diversity and sophistication of our economy.
 
I want to focus on five clusters of opportunity this evening.
 
Firstly, within manufacturing, we see opportunities in sectors such as automotives, steel, machinery, mining equipment, furniture, chemicals and clothing and textiles.
 
Secondly, the economy needs further investment in transport and logistics ICT and other productive services. Finland has a large ICT ecosystem. We note that Nokia has received the MTN 5G roll out contract. This should be underpinned by more Finnish investment in South Africa’s manufacturing and productive ICT services geared to exports. Nokia should consider ways to include our companies within its local and global component supply-chain.
 
Thirdly, South Africa is a mining hub, and we welcome opportunities for further partnership. Like I said earlier however, it is important that these partnerships include activities through which we add value to our raw materials, and manufacture more machinery locally.
 
Fourthly, food production and the expanding fruit and meat industry in South Africa can be a source of food security for Finland.
 
We are disappointed at the acts of EU protectionism against South African farming products, most recently against our citrus. We are now the world’s second largest exporter of citrus and believe recent decisions by the EU are unfair. We look to you to make the case against rising protectionism in the EU, and in favour of free trade.
 
Fifthly, the green economy provides opportunities in renewable energy, components for solar and wind power facilities, green hydrogen and battery-storage technologies, as well as electric vehicles.
 
South Africa is in the grip of an energy crisis. We are implementing a national Energy Action Plan to increase the current supply of energy, and to achieve energy security in the long term.
 
We are driving reforms in the electricity sector to enable private investment in electricity generation and accelerate the procurement of new generation capacity from solar, wind, gas, and battery storage.
 
Even as we work to improve the performance and efficiency of our existing coal-fired power stations to address energy-shortages, we remain committed to a just energy transition and to our target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
 
A just transition to a low carbon, climate-resilient, greener economy forms part of South Africa’s global climate change commitments.
 
We believe that there is alignment between our objectives and Finland’s goals.
 
As your Africa strategy indicates and I quote:
 
“At least 60 per cent of the loans and investments within the framework of Finland’s development policy investments will be allocated to Africa between 2020 and 2023. A substantial part of this will support green transition in Africa, as at least 75 per cent of all development policy investments will be allocated to climate funding.”
 
I urge Finland to work with developing countries to ensure there is a multilateral approach to trade and climate change.
 
We are concerned by recent unilateral decisions within the EU on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism that will undermine the global consensus that is necessary for successful climate action.
 
Finally, skills development and entrepreneurship is another critical area in which we can collaborate.
 
We would be interested in exploring areas of cooperation with Finland to improve access to educational opportunities especially in the field of vocational education and training, and for young people in particular.
 
With these few words I thank you once again for being here and look forward to a successful outcome of this business forum.
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has informed Chief Justice Raymond Zondo of his consideration to appoint Justice Mahube Betty Molemela as Judge President of the Supreme Court of Appeal.

The President has, through the Chief Justice, invited the Judicial Service Commission to advise on the suitability of Justice Molemela to hold the office of the President of the Supreme Court of Appeal.

The President has undertaken this consultation in terms of Section 174(3) of the Constitution.

This constitutional provision sets out that the President, as head of the National Executive - and after consulting the Judicial Service Commission and the leaders of parties represented in the National Assembly – appoints the Chief Justice and Deputy Chief Justice. After consulting the Judicial Service Commission, the President appoints the President and Deputy President of the Supreme Court of Appeal.

The position of the President of the Supreme Court of Appeal has been vacant following the appointment of Justice Maya to the position of the Deputy Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court with effect from 01 September 2022. 

Justice Molemela is currently a Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal.

She has established an illustrious judicial career spanning over 15 years, having first been appointed as a Judge of the Free State Division of the High Court in 2008.

During her 15 years on the Bench she served as a Judge President of the Free State Division of the High Court for three years before her elevation to the Supreme Court of Appeal in 2018.

She has also served as a Judge of the Labour and Labour Appeal Court, Acting Judge of the Competition Appeal Court and Acting Judge of the Constitutional Court for two terms in 2015.

She holds a B.Proc degree (University of Fort Hare); LLB, LLM and LLD (Honoris Causa) (all three from the University of Free State).  

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Friday, 3 February 2023, conclude the first Cabinet Lekgotla for 2023, where government is currently deliberating its programme of action for the year.

Chaired by the President, the Lekgotla allows the National Executive to review the performance of government against targets and objectives set in 2022.

It is also a platform for the national leadership to agree on key actions that are needed this year to advance the country’s economic recovery and long-term development, with resolution of the electricity crisis as the top priority.

The Lekgotla resolutions will form the basis of the State of the Nation Address, which President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver to a Joint Sitting of the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces – convened in the Cape Town City Hall – at 19h00 on Thursday, 9 February 2023.

The State of the Nation Address is an occasion in which the three arms of the state – the Judiciary, the National Legislature and the Executive – participate as a demonstration of the country’s constitutional dispensation and culture, and to ensure that all three arms are focused on national priorities.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY DEBATE ON THE STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS – 14-15 FEBRUARY

Political parties will debate the President’s Address in the National Assembly on Tuesday and Wednesday 14 and 15 February, with the President replying to this debate on the afternoon of Thursday, 16 February.

MINING INDABA – 07 FEBRUARY

With its emphasis on the challenges facing the country and the role all sectors of society can play in building a better future, the State of the Nation Address has become a focal point of interaction between different sectors of civil society, the administration and legislators.

In this regard, the President will on Tuesday, 7 February, address the annual Investing in African Mining Indaba – or Mining Indaba – which is themed “Unlocking African Mining Investment: Stability, Security, and Supply”.

This event attracts more than 6 000 delegates comprising investors, innovators, companies in the mining and natural resources sector, lawmakers and Ministers associated with these sectors.

Organisers estimate the five-day conference itself contributes close to R20m to national taxes.

PRESIDENTIAL GOLF CHALLENGE – 10 FEBRUARY 

Following the delivery of the State of the Nation Address, President Ramaphosa will on Friday, 10 February, officiate the annual Presidential Golf Challenge at Atlantic Beach Golf Club at Melkbosstrand, Western Cape.

Coordinated by the Department for the Public Service and Administration, the  Presidential Golf Challenge raises funds for charities designated by the sitting President.

The Challenge allows the private sector to participate in developmental initiatives to empower society, with this year’s contributions going to the Adopt-a-School Foundation’s programme to support schools with sanitation infrastructure and services.

Th foundation is an award-winning non-profit organisation that supports the creation and enhancement of a conducive learning and teaching environment in disadvantaged schools. The foundation is a partner entity to the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation.

DIRCO UBUNTU AWARDS – 11 FEBRUARY

Leveraging the participation of the international diplomatic corps based in South Africa in events around the State of the Nation Address, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation will on Saturday, 11 February, host its annual Ubuntu Awards ceremony in Cape Town.

President Ramaphosa will address this occasion which recognises South African industry leaders, eminent persons and ordinary South African citizens for their distinguished service and contribution towards promoting the country’s national interests and values across the world.

AFRICAN UNION SUMMIT – 17-19 FEBRUARY

Following his participation in an Extra-Ordinary Organ Troika Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community on 31 January 2023, President Ramaphosa will continue his international programme by attending the 36th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union from 17 to 19 February in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

 Africa’s political leadership will convene under the economically focused theme, “Accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement” in a year which marks the the 60th anniversary of the creation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and the continuing 20th anniversary of the creation of the African Union in 2002 as successor to the OAU.
 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

1. The Extra-Ordinary Organ Troika Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), hereafter called Summit, was held on the 31st January, 2023.

2. Summit was officially opened and chaired by His Excellency Dr. Hage G. Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

3. Summit was attended by the following SADC Heads of State and Government and/or their representatives:

Namibia: His Excellency Dr Hage G. Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia, and Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

Zambia: His Excellency Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, and Incoming Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

South Africa: His Excellency Mr. Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, and Outgoing Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

Democratic Republic of Congo: His Excellency Mr Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chairperson of SADC.

Lesotho: Right Hon. Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho.

Eswatini: Right Hon. Cleopas Sipho Dlamini, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini, representing His Majesty King Mswati III.

Mozambique: Hon. Cristóvão Artur Chume, Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Mozambique, representing His Excellency Mr. Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President of the Republic of Mozambique.

4. Summit was also attended by the Chairperson of the SADC Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO), Ministers from Organ Troika Member States, namely Namibia, South Africa and Zambia, the SADC Executive Secretary and Head of the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM).

5. Summit observed a Moment of Silence in honour of SAMIM personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty and expressed condolences to the Governments of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Republics of Botswana and Zambia, and the United Republic of Tanzania and the respective families at the loss of their citizens.

6. Summit reiterated the call for Member States to urgently respond to requests for critical capabilities to enhance the operational capability of the SADC Mission in Mozambique.

7. Summit noted the on-going investigations being undertaken by SAMIM leadership following a disturbing video clip circulating on social media depicting what appears to be SAMIM personnel burning deceased people and reiterated that the public will be informed once the investigations are completed, as communicated by the Chairperson of the Organ in his statement issued on 11 January 2023.

8. Summit commended the Government and the People of the Kingdom of Lesotho for conducting peaceful and successful elections and congratulated the Revolutionary for Prosperity Party and the Right Hon. Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho

9. Summit welcomed the commitment made by Right Hon. Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho to prioritise the implementation and completion of the comprehensive national reforms process, and approved the Action Plan for the Lesotho Reform Oversight Committee to monitor the finalisation of the reforms process in the Kingdom of Lesotho.

10. Summit urged the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini to urgently initiate the process of the National Dialogue and urged all stakeholders in the Kingdom of Eswatini to remain calm and participate peacefully in the National Dialogue.

11. Summit condemned all killings and damage to property in the Kingdom of Eswatini, reiterated SADC’s condemnation of the killing of Mr. Thulani Rudolf Maseko, a leading human rights lawyer and political activist in the Kingdom of Eswatini, who, at the time of his death, was Chairperson of the Multi-Stakeholder Forum, and urged the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini to conduct a swift, transparent and comprehensive investigation into the killing of Mr. Maseko.

12. Summit noted with deep concern the unstable security situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and strongly condemned the upsurge of conflicts and activities of armed groups, including M23 rebels and the support provided to the armed groups by foreign forces.

13. Summit resolved to initiate dialogue amongst the Member States of different Regional Economic Communities (RECs) that have deployed forces in the DRC with a view to establish and implement mechanisms for the effective coordination of their interventions in the DRC.

14. Summit adopted the draft African Union Declaration on the USA proposed ‘Countering Malign Russian Activities in Africa Act’ and urged Member States to communicate SADC’s position, and reaffirmed the stance of Non-Alignment on conflicts outside the continent and the region at multilateral fora.

15. Summit commended His Excellency Dr Hage G. Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia, and Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, for his leadership to galvanise concerted efforts towards the attainment of lasting peace and stability in the region.

Done on: 31st January 2023
Windhoek, Namibia

Your Excellency, President Sauli Niinistö, President of the Republic of Finland,
Honourable Ministers,
Ambassadors,
Senior Officials,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is always an honour to welcome friends, and an even greater honour to pay tribute to longstanding, cherished friendships.

Mr. President, thank you for accepting our invitation to pay a State Visit to South Africa.

The Finnish people, alongside other Nordic countries, were at the forefront of the global anti-apartheid movement. 

After we won our democracy in 1994, Finland continued to play an important role in supporting national reconciliation, in development cooperation, as well as trading with and investing in South Africa.

It is auspicious that you visit us this week as we celebrate 29 years of democracy. Without the support of Finland and our many other friends, we would not be where we are today. So welcome to you and your delegation once more.

South Africa and Finland have excellent and well-established bilateral relations. We have found in Finland a like-minded partner in various fields of cooperation be it the environment, energy, maritime affairs, science and technology, trade, and peace and security issues.

We meet at a time when the world is faced with multiple challenges.

We are in the midst of a global cost of living crisis. Food and energy prices continue to soar, as has inflation. Household debt is at all-time highs, making it difficult for families to survive.

Both small and large businesses are still struggling to return to pre COVID-19 levels of profitability and production, and many national economies are still counting the true cost of the pandemic.

The poor are particularly vulnerable, and the need for comprehensive social safety support has become even greater than before.

Climate change is advancing faster than previously thought, affecting lives and livelihoods around the globe. And while we all agree on what needs to be done to reduce carbon emissions, developing countries are finding it difficult to secure the resources and technology that would help them transition, without incurring further indebtedness.

Conflicts and instability around the world are exacerbating existing humanitarian crises, with events in Sudan adding to this volatility.

The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has had economic reverberations across the world, including in South Africa.

We know that this conflict has also been polarising, and has seen multilateral systems of governance being called into question and put under scrutiny.

As the international community we have agreed on a common developmental path in the form of the UN Agenda 2023 for Sustainable Development, and on meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.

To achieve this in the midst of the current turbulence facing the international community, we have to work together.

Just as we did during the dark days of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have an opportunity to set global cooperation along a new trajectory that is rooted in mutual respect, that is inclusive and that leaves no-one behind.

Mr. President, 

In 1997, President Martti Ahtisaari was received by President Nelson Mandela on a state visit to South Africa. 

At a banquet in President Ahtisaari’s honour President Mandela said to him:

“As we meet again after three years, you will see for yourself how South Africans have been using the freedom Finland helped them win.”

Indeed we have, with the support of our great friends the Finnish people. We have laid the foundations for a better life for all.

Even as we face enormous challenges, they are not nearly as daunting today as they were back in the early days of our democracy. Just as we overcame the problems back then, we will do so now.

As South Africa we are grateful to count Finland as a longstanding partner in progress and development.

Finland has always been open to cooperation in pursuit of a better, more egalitarian world, all the while with the highest degree of respect when it comes to relations with its partners in developing countries. For this, in turn, Finland continues to enjoy our highest respect.

We look forward to today’s deliberations.

I thank you and invite you now, Mr. President, to deliver your remarks.
 

Your Excellency, President Sauli Niinistö, President of the Republic of Finland

Ministers and Ambassadors,

Members of the Media,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Morning, thank you for being here.

It has been an honour to receive President Niinistö in South Africa during Freedom Month, and even more so in the week that we commemorate 29 years of our democracy.

South Africa’s liberation from apartheid would not have been possible without the principled solidarity and support of the Finnish people, the Nordic countries, and our many, many friends and allies around the world.

Even when we attained our democracy this support did not waver, and Finland continues to play a key role in supporting South Africa’s ongoing transition to a more egalitarian, prosperous society that leaves no-one behind.

I shared with President Niinistö my personal endearment for the great and honourable Finnish people. In 2000 Finland’s former President Martti Ahtisaari and I were tasked with inspecting Irish Republican Army arms dumps as part of the Northern Ireland peace process.

I learned from President Ahtisaari, as I have on many other occasions, just how inviolable principled solidarity is in building the fellowship of nations.

Indeed, Finland is a valued friend of the South African people and our longstanding partner in development.

It is our collective wish to see the bilateral relationship thrive and improve, especially with regards to reciprocal trade and investment.

Later today, President Niinistö and I will engage with business from both Finland and South Africa on how to improve trade and investment flows between our two countries.

A great deal of work is already happening in this regard.

By way of example, Gauteng province recently entered into a cooperation agreement with the government of Finland in the fields of renewable energy and ICT infrastructure, and towards the creation of a business corridor.

We have agreed to expand Finnish South African cooperation in the following fields:

· Water resource management

· Early Childhood Development, as well as out-of-school youth and adult education

· The training of youth as peace mediators

· Digital and emerging technologies. We have agreed to the proposal of EU member states that the EU-AU Data Flagship Programme’s regional hub should be in South Africa

As South Africa and Finland we expressed our shared commitment to preserving and strengthening the rules-based multilateral system.

We discussed several issues of regional and international significance, and explored ways in which we can collaborate to drive effective responses to the major issues facing humankind today. These include wars, the threat of climate change, and the economic inequalities worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

We agreed that a world free of conflict, instability, poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment is our highest aspiration, and that deepening our solidarity and cooperation is paramount.

With these few words I thank you once more for being here and invite you now, Mr. President to deliver your remarks.