Maseru - SADC Facilitator and South African Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will visit the Kingdom of Lesotho where he is expected to   participate in a ceremony to close down the SADC Facilitation Mission on Monday 30 March 2015 in Maseru.

The ceremony which will witness the lowering of the SADC Flag and the official closing down of the SADC Facilitation Mission will be addressed   by the Facilitator, Deputy President Ramaphosa, Lesotho’s Prime Minister Phakalitha Mosisili and SADC Executive Secretary Dr Stergomena   Lawrence Tax.

The closing ceremony marks the end of the facilitation mission following the successful SADC intervention which culminated in the recently held elections declared credible, free and fair by elections observers. The elections arose from provisions of the Maseru Facilitation Accord signed by all Lesotho’s political parties as part of efforts to create political stability in the country. 

On the other hand, the law enforcement agencies signed the Maseru Security Accord which resulted in the taking of leave of absence by three senior Defence and Police officers which created a climate for the stabilisation of the security situation in Lesotho.

Even though the SADC Facilitation mission offices will be closed down on Monday 30 March 2015, the SADC Double Troika Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation  held in Pretoria early this year urged all Lesotho’s political role-players to focus their attention, post the elections, on the constitutional and security sector reforms.

In this regard, SADC has committed itself to continue to assist the people of Lesotho in this process by making available expertise from member-states.

Deputy President Ramaphosa is expected to return to South Africa on Tuesday 31 March 2015.

For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.

Issued on behalf of the SADC Facilitation Mission

Maseru - SADC Facilitator and South African Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa today, Monday 30 March 2015 arrived in the Kingdom of Lesotho ahead of the official closure of the SADC Facilitation Mission and offices scheduled for later today at the SADC offices, Tona-Kholo Road   in Maseru.  

Ahead of the ceremony today, Monday 30 March 2015 the Facilitator is expected to meet the Prime Minister Phakalitha Mosisili, former Prime Minister and will pay a courtesy call on His Majesty King Letsie III on Tuesday 31 March 2015.

The SADC ceremony later today will witness the lowering of the SADC Flag and the official closing down of the SADC Facilitation Mission offices and will be addressed by the Facilitator, Deputy President Ramaphosa, Lesotho’s Prime Minister Phakalitha Mosisili and SADC Executive Secretary Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax.

The closing ceremony marks the end of the facilitation mission following the successful SADC intervention which culminated in the recently held elections declared credible, free and fair by elections observers. The elections arose from provisions of the Maseru Facilitation Accord signed by all Lesotho’s political parties and facilitated by Deputy President Ramaphosa as part of efforts to create political stability in the country.

In addition, the law enforcement agencies signed the Maseru Security Accord which resulted in the taking of leave of absence by three senior Defence and Police officers which created a climate for the stabilisation of the security situation in Lesotho.

Even though the SADC Facilitation mission offices will be closed down on Monday 30 March 2015, the SADC Double Troika Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation held in Pretoria early this year urged all Lesotho’s political role-players to focus their attention, post the elections, on the constitutional and security sector reforms. In this regard, SADC has committed itself to continue to assist the people of Lesotho in this process by making available expertise from member-states.

Deputy President Ramaphosa is expected to return to South Africa on Tuesday 31 March 2015.

Media is invited as follows to the closure of the SADC Facilitation Mission

Date: Today, Monday 30 March 2015.

Time: 16h00

Venue: SADC House (Tona-Kholo Road)

For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa on +2782 990 4853 or Lesego Setshedi on +26 658 868 653.

Issued on behalf of the SADC Facilitation Mission

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa led a delegation of ministers and deputy ministers that met with NEDLAC social partners at the Union Buildings, Pretoria, today, Thursday 2 April 2015. The meeting was convened to brief the NEDLAC social partners on government efforts to   secure the country’s electricity supply.

The meeting was the latest in a series of consultations by the Electricity War Room Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC), led by Deputy President Ramaphosa, with various sectors to develop a common understanding of the electricity supply challenge and invite comment and solutions.

Government briefed the NEDLAC partners on progress made by the IMC in implementing the five point action plan approved by Cabinet to develop immediate and short term interventions to manage the electricity supply and demand situation.

The NEDLAC social partners welcomed the invitation to be briefed on government efforts through the War room to address current electricity challenges. The meeting received proposals from Business Unity South Africa, the Black Business Council, Cosatu, Fedusa, Nactu and community representatives on addressing electricity challenges.

Business, labour and community undertook to work with government to restore public and business confidence in Eskom and in the economy.

Deputy President Ramaphosa said: “We are seeking sustainable ways to stabilise Eskom and the national grid, and advance energy efficiency in our country; we want to return Eskom to optimal technical capability so that it can carry on doing what it does best.

“We also want to ensure that the governance processes and structures within Eskom are on a sound footing. We know that Eskom has leadership and governance challenges. We are taking steps to address these challenges.”

Deputy President Ramaphosa said that the current electricity challenge affected all sectors of society and needed to be addressed collectively.

Deputy President Ramaphosa invited the NEDLAC social partners to collaborate with government in developing solutions. All constituencies committed themselves to working with government and Eskom on a national energy efficiency campaign and efforts to restore public confidence in Eskom.

For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Sandton - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will on behalf of President Jacob Zuma address the 3rd Annual South African Premier Business Awards tomorrow, Thursday 9 April 2015, at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg Gauteng.

The awards are organized by the Department of Trade and Industry in partnership with Proudly South African and Brand South Africa. The awards are aimed at recognising and honouring local enterprises that promote the spirit of success, innovation and job creation. They also   promote and encourage entrepreneurship and public-private partnerships and competitiveness.

The award ceremony is also utilized for and provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the best products and services that South Africa can offer to the world.

Media are invited as follows:

Time: 18h30

Date: 09 April 2015

Venue: Sandton Convention Centre

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Kempton Park - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, 10 April 2015 attend and chair a special Lekgotla of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) at Esselen Park, Kempton Park, Gauteng from 08h00-11h00.

The HRDC Lekgotla will evaluate progress achieved in meeting the targets set out by the Council in the past five years 2010-2015, reviewing targets of the HRD Strategy for 2010-2030 and develop with new priorities and targets for 2015 to 2020.

The HRDC Lekgotla will be preceded by a visit of Deputy President Ramaphosa to the Transnet School of Rail’s Simulation section in the same vicinity to highlight the importance of building requisite skills and training development for South Africa.

Memorial service of the late Steve “Kalamazoo” Mokone, FNB Stadium, Soweto 

Soweto - At the conclusion of the HRDC Lekgotla, Deputy President Ramaphosa will proceed to Soweto where he will attend and address, on behalf of President Jacob Zuma, the National Memorial Service of late Steve “Kalamazoo” Mokone to be held at the FNB Stadium.

The memorial service, organised by the Ministry of Sports and Recreation in conjunction with SAFA and the bereaved family is aimed at providing an opportunity for all South Africans to pay tribute to this giant of African football, Steve Kalamazoo Mokone. Kalamazoo who passed away on Friday, 20 March 2015.

Steve Kalamazoo Mokone was awarded the national order of the Ikhamanga (in gold) in recognition for achievement in the creative and performing arts and sports in 2003. Mokone, who hails from Atteridegeville, Pretoria, was the first African footballer to play professional soccer in Europe. By 1959 he was rated as one of the best soccer players in Europe.

Media invited to cover the events as follows:

HRDC, Esselen Park, Kemptonpark

Tour of Transnet Academy (School of Rail)

Date:  11 April 2015

Time:  08h00 – 08H30

Venue:  Transnet Academy, Esselenpark, Kempton Park, Gauteng

HRDC Lekgotla opening remarks

Time:  08H30

Venue:  Esselen Park Conference Hall, Kemptonpark

FNB Stadium - memorial service: Steve Kalamazoo Mokone

Date:  11 April 2015

Time:  12h00

Venue:  FNB Stadium

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853 and Sam Matome Bopape 082 318 5251

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Sandton - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the Champions for an AIDS-Free Generation comprising of former African Heads of State and Government on Tuesday, 14 April 2014 at the Michelangelo hotel, Sandton, Johannesburg.

The Deputy President will meet the champions in his capacity as the Chairperson of the South African National Aids Council (SANAC).

The Champions for an AIDS-free Generation was first launched in 2008 and works to ensure that all children are born free from HIV in Africa and that all people have access to quality HIV prevention and treatment services.

As former Heads of State and Government, the Champions rally and support regional leadership towards ending the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat.

Champions for an AIDS Free Generation that will attend the meeting include:

•  Former President of South Africa, Kgalema Motlanthe

•  Former President of Botswana, Festus Mogae

•  Former President of Malawi, Joyce Banda

•  Former President of Mozambique, Joachim Chissano

•  Former President of Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda

•  Former President of Mali, Alpha Konare

•  Former President of Tanzania, Benjamin Mkapa

•  Former Vice-President of Uganda, Speciosa Wandira Kasibwe

•  Former Chairperson of the Kenya National AIDS Control Council, Proffesor Mirriam Were

Media is invited as follows:

Time: 08H00 for 08H30

Venue: Michelangelo Hotel, Sandton, Johannesburg

Date: Tuesday, 14 April 2015

Equiries: Ronnie Mamoepa 082 990 4853/ Terrence Manase 082 338 6707 or Zenawit Melesse (UNAIDS – 082 909 2637)

Issued by: The Presidency 

Pretoria

Pretoria - In response to media queries The Presidency  confirms that Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has indeed held telephonic discussions with US Vice President Joe Biden regarding AGOA on Monday 13 April 2015.

The telephonic interaction between Deputy President Ramaphosa and Vice President Biden are part of ongoing discussions between the two governments and conducted at various levels including the South African Ministry of Trade and Industry, with their USA counterparts.

In this regard South African government Trade and Industry officials, led by Minister Rob Davies, are currently in Washington to meet with their USA counterparts to discuss the matter further.

As and when it is necessary, the relevant South African and USA counterparts will certainly make the necessary pronouncements.

For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Oudtshoorn - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday 17 April 2015 join and address members of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) during the Taking Parliament to the People Programme, scheduled for Brighton Sports Grounds, in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape Province.

The theme of Deputy President Ramaphosa’s address is “together making service delivery work for our people’’. This will be the first address by Deputy President Ramaphosa to the NCOP’s ”Taking Parliament to the People Programme’’ outside the precinct of parliament in Cape Town.   The programme is expected to last from 09h00-13h30.

The programme will be attended by among others, the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, Premiers, Members of Provincial Executive Councils, delegates to the NCOP, Members of Parliament and local community members resident in the Eden District Municipality

For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853 or Matome Bopape 082 318 5251.

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Pretoria - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will depart for Indonesia today Sunday 19 April 2015, where he will represent President Jacob Zuma at the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the Bandung Conference to be held in Bandung on Friday 24 April 2015. President Zuma cancelled his visit to Indonesia to attend to matters at home related to attacks on foreign nationals.

Deputy President Ramaphosa’s delegation includes Ministers Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Jeff Radebe, Nosiviwe Mapisa Nqakula, Rob Davies, Senzeni Zokwana, Edna Molewa and several Directors-General including Ambassador Jerry Matjila.

The Bandung Conference which was held in 1955 in Bandung laid a firm foundation for the Asia-Africa solidarity against colonialism and apartheid. South Africa was represented at the 1955 Conference by ANC leaders, namely the late Moses Kotane and Maulvi Cachalia.

During his visit to Indonesia, Deputy President Ramaphosa will also attend activities that will precede the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the Bandung Conference including the Africa-Asia Business Forum and the Africa-Asia Summit on 22- 23 April 2015 in Jakarta and the 10th anniversary of the New Asia-Africa Strategic Partnership which will be held on Friday 24 April 2015 in Bandung.

Deputy President Ramaphosa is expected to return to South Africa on the Saturday 25 April 2015.

For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa on +27 82 990 4853 or Tyrone Seale on +27 83 575 7440.

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Jakarta - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia today Monday, 20 April 2015, where he will be representing President Jacob Zuma during the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the Bandung Conference to be held on Friday 24 April 2015.

Deputy President Ramaphosa is leading a South African government delegation comprising Ministers Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Jeff Radebe, Nosiviwe Mapisa Nqakula, Rob Davies, Senzeni Zokwana, Edna Molewa and several Directors-General including Dr Cassius Lubisi and   Ambassador Jerry Matjila.

While in Indonesia, Deputy President Ramaphosa is scheduled to attend the Africa-Asia Business Forum and the Africa-Asia Summit on 22- 23 April 2015 in Jakarta and the 10th anniversary of the New Asia-Africa Strategic Partnership which will be held on Friday 24 April 2015 ahead of the 60th anniversary of the Bandung Conference.

The Bandung Conference which was held in 1955 laid a firm foundation for the Asia-Africa solidarity against colonialism and apartheid. South Africa was represented at the 1955 Conference by ANC leaders, namely the late Moses Kotane and Maulvi Cachalia.

Deputy President Ramaphosa is expected to return to South Africa on the Saturday 25 April 2015.

For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa on +27 82 990 4853 or Tyrone Seale on +27 83 575 7440.

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria