1. Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa returned to South Africa today Sunday 19 July following a successful official visit to the Peoples Republic of China scheduled from 13 to 17 July 2015.

2. Deputy President Ramaphosa led a senior government delegation comprising Ministers Blade Nzimande and Lynne Brown and Deputy Ministers Nomanindia Mfeketo, Mcebisi Jonas,Thembi Majola and Mzwandile Masina.

3. The delegation also included senior government officials and executives of several state-owned enterprises, including Telkom, Eskom, Denel, South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), Transnet, NECSA, Mpumalanga Economic Development Agency and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). Also in attendance were business leaders including representatives of the Black Business Council and Business Unity South Africa.

4. Deputy President Ramaphosa held strategic bilateral political and economic discussions with his counterpart, Vice President Li Yuanchao, at the Great Hall of the People and with Premier Li Kieqang at the Zhongnanhai. He also met other provincial and local leaders of the Communist Party of China

5. The bilateral discussions took place within the framework of the Five-to-Ten Year Strategic Programme, which was signed by President Jacob Zuma and President Xi Jinping in December 2014.

6. The bilateral discussions focused on trade and investment cooperation, financial cooperation, including on the BRICS New Development Bank, infrastructure development, energy, vocational training and South Africa’s hosting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) later this year.

KEY OUTCOMES

1. The bilateral discussions with Vice President Li Yuanchao and Premier Li Kieqang reaffirmed the important strategic relationship between South Africa and China.

2. China will continue to work with South Africa in implementing the five to ten year strategic programme of cooperation signed during the South Africa State visit to China in December 2014.

3. To reinforce the commitment made during President Zuma’s State visit in December 2014, it was further agreed that six priority areas identified for 2015 will be implemented. China will assist South Africa to:

3.1 advance its industrialisation process;

3.2 develop its special economic zones;

3.3 fast-track its infrastructure build programme;

3.4 develop its oceans economy;

3.5 develop its human resources; and

3.6 access development financing.

4. The Chinese Academy of Governance agreed to a placement of South African government officials and business leaders on a training and skills development programme. South Africa’s National School of Government will finalise details with counterparts in the Chinese Academy of Governance. Initiatives are already underway to identify relevant training programmes for public service managers.

5. South Africa and the Peoples Republic of China will extend the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Public Enterprises and SASAC on the management of SOEs. This aims to enhance the capacity of the state to position SOEs to drive industrialisation and unlock private sector investment between the two countries. This builds on the strong relationship that already exists between South African and Chinese SOEs.

6. Each of the companies the Deputy President met expressed an interest in establishing or expanding existing operations in South Africa. Several undertook to provide training opportunities to young South Africans in China. This included a firm offer from Huawei to support a five-year ICT training programme for 1,000 South African students aiming to pursue a career in technology and innovation.

INTERACTION WITH STATE OWNED ENTERPRISES

1. The visit provided an opportunity for Deputy President Ramaphosa and his delegation to examine how lessons from the Chinese model of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) could assist South Africa in promoting industrialisation and economic development.

2. Deputy President Ramaphosa visited the Chinese Academy of Governance, met with the Chairperson of the Chinese State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) and exchanged views about building the capacity of SOE managers and strengthening governance and accountability.

3. Deputy President Ramaphosa also addressed the South Africa-China State Owned Enterprises Seminar in Beijing, which was attended by representatives of South African and Chinese SOEs.

4. Deputy President Ramaphosa visited the Beijing Economic Technological Development Area, which has successfully combined innovative urban development with industrial and commercial development.

VISITS TO QINGDAO AND SHENZHEN

1. Deputy President Ramaphosa also paid visits to Qingdao and Shenzhen.

2. He met with senior executives of several companies, including Haier, Hisense, Huawei, the China Rail Company, the China Merchant Group, ZTE and the Mayor of Shenzhen.

3. Deputy President Ramaphosa also visited the Shenzhen Comprehensive Traffic Command Centre, which is an integral part of Shenzhen’s smart city concept.

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

“South Africa, the sporting fraternity and football in particular is today poorer, death be not proud”, this is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa on learning of the passing of one of South Africa’s prolific professional footballer Philemon “Chippa Phil” Masinga.

“We shall forever be grateful to Philemon “Chippa” Masinga, as he was affectionately known, for being part of a collective in his deserved call ups, to Bafana Bafana.  A collective that helped put South Africa back on the international stage when he scored the 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifier goal”.

“He continued to put South Africa on an international stage when he, also deservedly, became our ambassador and diligently played for teams in the   English Premier League and Italian Serie A League.  I say deservedly because he was equally outstanding here at home when he played for Premier   Soccer League clubs where he dazzled many South Africans”.  

“Our thoughts and prayers are with family, relatives, friends and millions of his admirers. May his soul rest in eternal peace”, said President Ramaphosa.


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Orange Farm - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 22 July 2015, chair the inaugural meeting of the Public Employment Programme-Inter ministerial Committee (PEP-IMC) at Orange Farm, Gauteng.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Public Employment Programme chaired by Deputy President Ramaphosa champions the importance of the Public Employment opportunities within government and the wider society.

Public employment programmes are implemented under the auspices of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), and create short-term employment for poor and unemployed South Africans.

The EPWP is one of government's strategic priorities aimed at creating 6 million work opportunities by 2019, hence the need for public employment programmes to contribute optimally to social cohesion and community development. The rationale for the formation of the PEP-IMC is to provide a high-level and collective leadership to achieve these outcomes.

As part of the programme for the day, Deputy President Ramaphosa will also visit a community work programme site in the Orange Farm area, to highlight progress achieved in skills development and job creation.

Media is invited to cover the event as follows:

1. Site visit - Orange Farm Skill Centre

Date: 22 July 2015

Time: 14:30

2. PEP - IMC Meeting

Venue: Orange Farm Skills Centre

Date: 22 July 2015

Time: 15:00

For accreditation and enquiries please contact Sam Matome Bopape, cell: 082 318 5251 email: matome@presidency.gov.za or Kgomotso Mathuloe, cell: 082 957 3667 email: Kgomotso.mathuloe@dpw.gov.za

For comments please contact, Ronnie Mamoepa 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa today, 22 July 2015, chaired the inaugural working meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Public Employment Programmes (PEP-IMC) at Orange Farm, Gauteng.

The PEP-IMC is driving government’s effort to create 6 million work opportunities by 2019 through programmes that create jobs for those who cannot find work and that create public goods in the form of new infrastructure or the improvement of existing infrastructure. These programmes   also address service delivery challenges.

At its Orange Farm meeting, the IMC committed itself to improved coordination of public employment programmes among local, provincial and national structures in order to sustain progress to date on reaching the target of 6 million. In the 2014/15 financial year, just more than a million work opportunities were created in public employment programmes.

The committee also resolved to pay closer attention to the geographic distribution of such programmes, in order to achieve particular impact in provinces such as Limpopo, the North West, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape where youth unemployment is concentrated. South Africa is among many countries that view public employment programmes as part of ongoing employment and social protection policies.

The IMC will work towards the integration of databases that will enable all partners to know which programmes are in progress in which parts of the country and in which sectors, so that work opportunities can be streamlined and managed in a transparent and productive way.

The committee comprises the Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Public Works, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Environmental Affairs, Social Development, Labour, Higher Education, Finance, Small Business Development, Economic Development and Rural Development and Land Reform.

The meeting received a progress report on implementation of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) by all spheres of government. In this regard, government entities, departments and municipalities are prioritising work and training opportunities for especially for the youth, women and people with disability.

During his visit to Orange Farm, Deputy President Ramaphosa and delegation undertook a walkabout at a skills development centre where computer skills, a community food garden and a clothes bank for families in distress are being implemented. 

Following his visit, Deputy President Ramaphosa commended the City of Johannesburg and its partners, including the Department of Cooperative Governance, on the “very inspiring and exciting work” he and the delegation had seen.

“We were impressed by the determination of those working in this project to use this as an opportunity to improve their lives” said Deputy President Ramaphosa. “Many see this work not only as a source of income, but as an opportunity to gain experience and skills that can stand them in good stead in the future.

“We encourage all those working in public employment programmes to seize the opportunities that this work provides for developing their skills and capabilities – and thereby improve their chances of employment beyond the life of the project”

The committee will meet three to four times a year to maintain momentum in providing income to vulnerable individuals and building social cohesion by involving communities in their own development. The committee also views Public Employment Programme as an entry point into entrepreneurship for some participants.

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa, Spokesperson for the Deputy President 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Maseru - South African Deputy President and SADC Facilitator Cyril Ramaphosa is expected in the capital of Maseru on Thursday 30 July 2015 in pursuance of his renewed SADC mandate to facilitate peace and stability in the Kingdom of Lesotho.

During his visit, Deputy President Ramaphosa is expected mainly to brief key political and other stakeholders on the Terms of Reference for the establishment of the SADC-led Commission of Inquiry into recent developments in the country.

In this context the SADC Double Troika Summit of Heads of State held in Pretoria on 3 July 2015 decided among others and ‘’as a matter of urgency, to establish an independent commission of inquiry into   the circumstances surrounding the death of Brig, Maaparankoe Mahao and its deployment with immediate effect’’. The commission which will be chaired by Botswana Judge Mpaphi Phumaphi is also expected to look into other related factors that may have contributed to incidents of instability in Lesotho.

In pursuance of the objective of his visit, Deputy President Ramaphosa will thus outline the terms of reference of the commission of inquiry to His Majesty King Letsie III during his courtesy call and further brief Prime Minister Phakalitha Mosisili, members of the opposition political parties , Council of Churches of Lesotho, College of Chiefs, NGO sector including business as well as members of the Law Society.

The SADC Double Troika Summit endorsed Deputy President Ramaphosa’s report on his previous facilitation efforts in the country to bring about peace and stability in the country which resulted in the reopening of parliament, the holding of democratic elections and the inauguration of a democratic government.

Following recommendations of Deputy President Ramaphosa, the SADC Double Troika Summit further urged all stakeholders including the government to urgently undertake constitutional and security sector reforms with the assistance of SADC.

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

The Minister of Energy, Mr Jeff Radebe, has been appointed the Acting President of the Republic of South Africa until President Cyril Ramaphosa returns from his Working Visit to the Republic of Mozambique.

President Ramaphosa has arrived in Maputo, in the Republic of Mozambique, where he will meet his counterpart President Filipe Nyusi to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual concern. The President, who is accompanied by the Ministers of Defence, Police and State Security, is   expected to South Africa this afternoon.

Deputy President David Mabuza has travelled to the Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, in his capacity as Special Envoy to South Sudan, to strengthen the  ongoing political efforts towards finding lasting peace and development for the people of South Sudan.


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Maseru - South African Deputy President and SADC Facilitator Cyril Ramaphosa has today, Thursday 30 July 2015, arrived in the capital Maseru in pursuance of his renewed SADC mandate to facilitate peace and stability in the Kingdom of Lesotho.

During his visit, Deputy President Ramaphosa is expected mainly to brief key political and other stakeholders on the Terms of Reference for the establishment of the SADC-led Commission of Inquiry into recent developments in the country.

In this context the SADC Double Troika Summit of Heads of State held in Pretoria on 3 July 2015 decided among others and “as a matter of urgency, to establish an independent commission of inquiry into   the circumstances surrounding the death of Brig, Maaparankoe Mahao and its deployment with immediate effect’’. The commission which will be chaired by Botswana Judge Mpaphi Phumaphi is also expected to look into other related factors that may have contributed to incidents of instability in Lesotho.

In pursuance of the objective of his visit, Deputy President Ramaphosa will thus outline the terms of reference of the commission of inquiry to His Majesty King Letsie III during his courtesy call and further brief Prime Minister Phakalitha Mosisili, members of the opposition political parties, Council of Churches of Lesotho, College of Chiefs, NGO sector including business as well as members of the Law Society.

The SADC Double Troika Summit endorsed Deputy President Ramaphosa’s report on his previous facilitation efforts in the country to bring about peace and stability in the country which resulted in the reopening of parliament, the holding of democratic elections and the inauguration of a democratic government.

Following recommendations of Deputy President Ramaphosa, the SADC Double Troika Summit further urged all stakeholders including the government to urgently undertake constitutional and security sector reforms with the assistance of SADC.

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

1. At the invitation of His Excellency Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President of the Republic of Mozambique, His Excellency Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa,   President of the Republic of South Africa paid a working visit to the Republic of Mozambique on the 14th January 2019

2. The visit is aimed at consolidating bilateral, political, economic and social cooperation between the two countries

3. His Excellency, President Ramaphosa was accompanied by a ministerial delegation and government officials

4. On bilateral issues, the two Presidents acknowledged the historical and fraternal bonds between the two countries dating back to the period of the  liberation struggle against colonialism and apartheid

5. The two Heads of State expressed satisfaction at the excellent and ever growing bilateral cooperation between the two countries which is managed under the framework of the Bi-National Commission

6. The two Presidents noted the existence of over 70 bilateral Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding covering a wide range of areas including energy, agriculture, arts and culture, defence and security, education and environment, science and technology, immigration, tourism, trade and investment, amongst others

7. The two Presidents underscored the need to ensure the full implementation of these legal instruments for the benefit of their respective countries and peoples

8. On regional issues, the two Presidents noted that the SADC region was politically stable notwithstanding a few exceptions

9. The two Presidents congratulated President-elect, Mr Rajoelina on his election as President of Madagascar; commended Former President Ravalomanana for graciously accepting the results and commended the people of Madagascar for conducting peaceful elections

10. Within the context of maintaining peace and security on the continent, the two Heads of State condemned the attempted coup in the Republic of Gabon

11. The two Presidents commended the Democratic Republic of Congo for conducting peaceful elections and noted the release of the provisional presidential results and the subsequent lodging of a complaint by one of the candidates

12. The two Heads of State re-iterated the need for SADC regional economic integration through the implementation of the SADC industrialisation strategy and its action plan, to promote regional value chains and creating industrial capacity

13. On the continent, the two Heads of State expressed their satisfaction with the growing number of countries on the continent signing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. In this regard, they urged those fellow African countries who have not signed to do so and ratify this important agreement

14. The two Presidents re-iterated the need to reform the UN system in particular the UN Security Council to better represent the interests of developing countries

15. His Excellency, President Nyusi congratulated South Africa for being elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the next two years

16. His Excellency, President Ramaphosa extended an invitation to His Excellency, President Nyusi to the next session of the Bi-national commission to be held on a date to be mutually agreed through diplomatic channels

17. His Excellency, President Ramaphosa extended his gratitude for the warm reception and excellent hospitality extended to him and his delegation during their visit to Mozambique


DONE IN MAPUTO
14 January 2019

The South African National Aids Council (SANAC) wishes Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates well for their Carling Black Label Cup showdown at FNB Stadium tomorrow, Saturday, 1 August 2015.

SANAC will undertake an HIV information and condom distribution drive at the stadium as part of government’s ongoing campaign, led by Deputy President and SANAC Chair Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, to promote healthy lifestyle choices among South Africans from all walks of life.

Chiefs and Pirates are champions on the field of play and deserve the nation’s support.

The SANAC marketing activation is designed to ensure that football supporters play it safe in their personal lives and become champions at responsible sexual behaviour and healthy relationships.

SANAC will distribute condom and information packs to urge players and supporters to condomise and do all they can – and all the time – to avoid HIV and TB infection.

SANAC appreciates the permission granted by the Carling Black Label Cup hosts for this distribution effort through which SANAC will be reaching out to the large number of fans who will watch the game in the stadium.

The sport sector is represented on the South African National Aids Council in recognition of the popularity of sport in the country and its ability to mobilise the nation to build a better South Africa. Sport instils positive values and behaviours in individuals and is an important social movement that brings people together and has a positive influence in society beyond the field of play.

SANAC is pleased that the Minister of Sport and Recreation, Mr Fikile Mbalula, will represent government at this landmark match.

SANAC wishes the teams and supporters an exciting and safe event.

Note to Editors: SANAC brings together government, civil society and the private sector to create a collective response to the scourge of HIV, tuberculosis and sexually transmitted infections in South Africa.

For more information, please contact: The Rev Zwo Nevhutalu, General Manager: SANAC Secretariat 082 907 3732

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

A recent commentary by Alec Hogg on BizNews.com, headlined 'Ramaphosa's jobs fantasy', in which he questions government’s “job creation” targets, appears to be based on inaccurate reporting.

As a result, it does not distinguish between work opportunities created through government's public works programmes and mainstream jobs of the kind created in manufacturing, tourism, agriculture and other economic sectors.
 
The commentary misrepresents a statement made by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa at a meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on public employment programmes held at Orange Farm on 22 July 2015.

Speaking about government’s public employment programmes, Deputy President Ramaphosa said: “The ruling party has decided that in this administration we are going to make 6 million of these job opportunities available. Already, the number of job opportunities we have created is leading us to the 6 million, and I am confident that we will reach – and even exceed – it because the experience we have gathered over the past five years has been huge and meaningful.”

At no point did Deputy President Ramaphosa suggest that he was referring to jobs created in the broader economy.

Having met public employment participants at the Orange Farm project where the meeting was hosted, the Deputy President told the meeting how participants had “raised quite a number of issues; they would like to work more days than they are working now”.

The Deputy President provided this detail to illustrate how these work opportunities allow different groups of residents to work temporarily on projects that deliver new infrastructure, revamp existing infrastructure or deliver social services.
 
This brings income and dignity to the most vulnerable people in our communities and involves citizens directly in the development of social goods and the quality of life in communities.
 
Most importantly, these opportunities come with training and skills development that stand participants in good stead beyond the life of the particular programmes on which they work.

The Deputy President’s said: “Many people see this work not only as a source of income, but as an opportunity to gain experience (and) gain know-how of the world of work, and the many people we spoke to attest to the fact that they are gaining quite a lot of experience that will stand them in good stead when they finally get gainful employment elsewhere.”
 
The goal of six million work opportunities in public employment programmes is not unrealistic. The Expanded Public Works Programme created over one million work opportunities in the 2014/2015 financial year alone.

For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa Spokesperson for the Deputy President on 082 990 4853.

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria