Boksburg - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) Congress on Thursday 4 June 2015 at the Birchwood Hotel, Boksburg, Gauteng Province.

Media are invited as follows:

Time: 12h00

Venue: Birchwood Hotel, Boksburg

Date: 04 June 2015

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Juba, South Sudan – Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, Wednesday 3 June 2015, concluded a three-day working visit to Kenya and South Sudan during which he hailed steps taken to reunite the ruling party Sudanese Peoples Liberation Movement (SPLM) South Sudan   and to end the war in this country.

Deputy President Ramaphosa departed from Juba, South Sudan, earlier today following a visit to Juba during which five Nairobi-based members of the Former Detainees group of the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) returned to their home country for the first time since December 2013.

The group has been based in Nairobi since December 2013 when divisions within South Sudan’s ruling party gave rise to war within the country.

On the mission to Juba, Deputy President Ramaphosa was accompanied by Mr Abdulrahman Kinana, Secretary-General of Tanzania’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, and the Foreign Ministers of Kenya and Ethiopia. CCM and the African National Congress are co-guarantors of efforts to reunite and rebuild the ruling party of South Sudan.

During the Juba visit, Deputy President Ramaphosa held discussions with President Salva Kiir of South Sudan, co-guarantors of the peace process and the returning SPLM – Former Detainees group. This group also held separate discussions with structures of the SPLM in government in Juba.

At a dinner hosted on Tuesday, 2 June 2015, in honour of the visiting delegation including the returning Former Detainees, Deputy President Ramaphosa said the mission to Juba wanted to ensure that “peace reigns and the guns of war are silenced once and for all”.

The Deputy President said the return by Former Detainees for discussions with their SPLM colleagues had been a “most historic occasion to welcome back your own comrades into South Sudan”. He said reconciliation based on peace and the rebuilding of South Sudan and the SPLM was within reach.

“The historical task of revolutionaries is not to continue a war that is senseless and useless; the historic task is to seek peace and instill it in the hearts of our people. Let bygones be bygones; let anger and grievance (take a back seat) in our search for peace,” Deputy President Ramaphosa urged. He assured the people of South Sudan that South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda would remain at their side in their quest for peace.

The visit to South Sudan by Deputy President Ramaphosa came against the background of regional efforts aimed at cementing lasting peace in South Sudan and consolidating gains made with the signing of the Reunification Agreement in Arusha, Tanzania early this year.

The Reunification Agreement was signed by the various factions of the Sudanese Peoples Liberation Movement (SPLM) and is aimed at addressing political, organisational and leadership issues, the source of political crisis in the SPLM and conflict in South Sudan.

On Monday, 1 June, 2015, Deputy President Ramaphosa paid a courtesy call on Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta, attended Kenya’s Madaraka (Independence) Day celebrations and held a meeting with SPLM (Former Detainees).

On Wednesday, 3 June, 2015, Deputy President Ramaphosa held discussions with South Sudan Vice-President Wani Igga, who, upon Mr Ramaphosa’s departure from Juba Airport, said the visit had signaled “a new chapter” in the South Sudan peace process. Before his departure, Deputy President Ramaphosa also met with Kenyan Foreign Minister Ms Amina Mohamed.

For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

A planned visit by Deputy President and members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Energy to Eskom’s Lethabo power station in the Free State has been postponed.

The visit was originally scheduled for tomorrow, Friday 5 June 2015. A new date will be announced in due course and will form part of government’s winter campaign on energy saving that will be launched soon.

A number of Ministers who were due to be part of the Lethabo visit are currently participating in the World Economic Forum on Africa, and the Deputy President wishes to ensure that as many members as possible of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Energy are available to visit Lethabo.

Members of the media will be updated on the new date as soon as arrangements are finalised.

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Vereeniging - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 05 June 2015, visit Eskom’s Lethabo Power station in the Free State, as part of the work of the Inter-ministerial Committee on Energy (IMC).

The visit to Eskom Lethabo Power station by Deputy President Ramaphosa provides an opportunity for members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Energy (IMC) to interact with Eskom senior management on how power stations are performing against the plans implemented   to accelerate the restoration of the coal generating fleet capacity and reliability.

These plans are part of government’s five-point plan that was adopted by cabinet as a framework to deal with electricity challenges. The plan focuses on:

a) Immediate Measures (Improve Maintenance & Operational Practices)

b) Co-Generation (short and long term contracts)

c) Gas for power generation and additional sources of supply

d) Other Independent Power Producers (IPPs)

e) Demand Side Management

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One of the Lethabo Power station units is currently undergoing maintenance, and it provides for some first-hand experience and exposure to Deputy President Ramaphosa and delegation how maintenance is done and the scale of work involved in this exercise.   

Lethabo is a coal-fired power station that comprises six 618MW production units. A unique aspect of Lethabo is the unusually low grade and quality of coal that is burnt in the power generation process. Lethabo has an extensive water recycling and cleaning desalination. The team will also be taken through Eskom’s plans relating to environmental compliance.

Members of the media are invited to cover the event as follows:

Date: Friday, 05 June 2015

Time: 08h30 

Venue: Lethabo Power Station

In your RSVP, please also include your ID number and the serial numbers of any electronic devices like cameras that you will be bringing along. You will also be expected to present Press Cards at the entrance. 

For more information and accreditation please contact, Sam Matome Bopape on 082 318 5251. For comments please Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Boksburg - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Saturday 6 June 2015 host and chair the meeting of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) at the Emperors Palace in Boksburg, Gauteng Province. Deputy President Ramaphosa will host the meeting in his   capacity as the Chairperson of the SANAC.

The SANAC meeting on Saturday takes place against the background of the forthcoming 7th SA AIDS Conference scheduled for Tuesday- Thursday 09-12 June 2015 at the Durban's Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC). The focus of the 7th SA AIDS Conference is the reduction of the HIV and TB Stigma reduction programmes.

In this regard, South Africa undertook its first National Stigma Index Survey among people living with HIV in 18 districts across the Republic to measure self-reported stigma and discrimination experienced by people living with HIV. The survey will inform the development and implementation of national policies and programmes that protect the rights of people living with HIV. Critical to note is that the survey indicates that South Africa has indeed made good progress in dealing with HIV-related stigma with about a third of people living with HIV still experiencing some form or another of stigma. The survey report will be released during the 7th SA Aids Conference.

Media is invited to the opening session and address by the Deputy President at the SANAC meeting, Boksburg as follows:

Time: 08h30 for 09h00

Venue: Emperors Palace, Convention Centre, Boksburg

Date: Saturday 6 June 2015

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Durban - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the SANAC, will deliver a keynote address during the opening session of the 7th SA AIDS Conference on Tuesday 9 June 2015 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban. 

The South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) has played a leading role in championing several programmes against the HIV-AIDS in 2014   projecting a multi-sectoral response which include the Social Development, Justice and Correctional Services and Health departments including   civil society organisations such as People Living with HIV (PLHIV), NAPWA, PWN and TAC.

In this regard, the 7th SA AIDS Conference is expected to share the results of the South African Stigma Survey, provide practical and innovative actions and programmes to counter stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.

The Stigma survey, the largest in the world, was conducted among 10 700 HIV-positive people who are older than 15 years in 18 districts across the Republic. 

The Survey was launched with a view to measuring self-reported stigma and discrimination experienced by people living with HIV. The results of the Survey will inform government policies and programmes aimed at protecting the rights of people living with HIV.

Deputy President Ramaphosa is also expected to visit the Gugu Dlamini Park where he will interact with youths including young women around the issue of the triple burden and effect of the epidemic on young women.

For more info contact Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Durban - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, will tomorrow, Tuesday 9 June 2015 attend and address the opening session of the 7th SA AIDS Conference on Tuesday 9 June 2015 scheduled for Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC.

The Conference was preceded by the South African National AIDS Council Lekgotla held in Boksburg over the weekend as part of preparations for the Durban AIDS Conference. The Lekgotla was attended by Ministers, Deputy Ministers, members of civil society including People Living with   HIV (PLHIV), NAPWA, PWN and TAC.

The main focus of the 7th SA AIDS Conference will be the sharing of the South African Stigma Survey results, provide practical and innovative actions and programmes to counter stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.

The Stigma survey, the largest in the world, was conducted among 10 700 HIV-positive people who are older than 15 years in 18 districts across the Republic. The Survey was launched with a view to measuring self-reported stigma and discrimination experienced by people living with HIV. The results of the Survey will inform government policies and programmes aimed at protecting the rights of people living with HIV.

Deputy President Ramaphosa is also expected to visit the Gugu Dlamini Park where he will interact with youths including young women around the issue of the triple burden and effect of the epidemic on young women.

Media are invited as follows:

Date: Tuesday 9 June 2015

Opening session of the conference: 16h00-18h20

Deputy President’s address: 16h30

Visit to the Gugu Dlamini Park: 11h45

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa at 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Cape Town - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will make an appearance at the national assembly in Parliament, in Cape Town to field questions from members of parliament tomorrow, Wednesday 10 June 2015.

Questions on the order paper include among others:

1. Whether in his capacity as chairperson of the Human Resource Development Council of South Africa (HRDC), he has measures in place to ensure that Adult Education and Training is prioritised and fast-tracked for people who are currently employed in the formal and informal sectors and who have never had the opportunity of an education?               

2. If he has found that the new dispensation of the e-toll system will be financially viable both for the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) to continue operating the system and for ordinary South Africans who have to pay for the system?                                                                              

3. What measures does the South African National Aids Council (SANAC) intend to implement to ensure that the Higher Education HIV/AIDS Programme (HEAIDS) reaches out to rural and/or village campuses of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges and integrates communities around those campuses?     

4. What steps has he taken with regard to the South African Airways, Eskom and the South African Post Office to change their situation?

For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.

Issued by: The Presidency

Cape Town

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will receive Cuban Vice-President HE Salvador Valdés Mesa, for a courtesy call today, 13 June 2015, at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg.

Vice-President Valdés is leading the Cuban delegation to the 25th Summit of the African Union, currently underway in Johannesburg.
 

Media are invited to the Courtesy Call as follows:

Time: 18h00 (media to arrive at 17h45)

Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, VIP South

Date: Saturday, 13 June 2015

For more information contact Tyrone Seale on 083 575 7440.

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Cape Town - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will make an appearance in the National Council of Provinces in Parliament, in Cape Town tomorrow, Wednesday 17 June where he will field questions from members of the NCOP on a number of matters of national interest. In this regard, questions on the official order paper include among others:

 1. Whether the Government has established any processes or mechanisms to assess the responsiveness of our democratic institutions, policy   and legislative framework to the new demands placed on democratic State?

2. Whether our nation is making progress in addressing the historical injustices of apartheid and social exclusion?

3. Whether the available information points to progress in realising the ideals of our Vision 2030 as espoused in our National Development Plan, especially the elimination of poverty, reduction of inequality and building a cohesive society?                             

4. Whether there are any indications that South Africa is aligning the Provincial Growth and Development Strategies with the National Development Plan?

4. (b) Whether such a support network also involves dealing with the psychological effects of living with HIV/Aids?  

5. Whether all Ministers and Premiers have complied with the cost-cutting measures as announced by the Minister of Finance in his 2013 mid-term budget speech?                                                                                            

6. Whether there is evidence that the Employment Tax Incentive has resulted in the creation of new job opportunities for young job seekers?              

7. Why has the Government maintained an apartheid practice such as labour brokerage that materially contribute to wage inequalities?

For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria