President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday 1 March 2019 officiate the launch in South Africa of the landmark “Future of Work” report of the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Global Commission on the Future of Work.
 
President Ramaphosa and Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven co-chaired the 27-member Global Commission whose report was launched to the international community by President Ramaphosa at the ILO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on 22 January 2019.
 
Prime Minister Löfven will attend the South African national launch at Ballito north of Durban on Friday 1 March.
 
President Hage Geingob of the Republic of Namibia, who is Chair of the Southern African Development Community, will also attend the launch which forms part of the ILO’s centenary programme in 2019.
 
The Global Commission had been tasked to identify challenges and make recommendations that will sustain and protect the livelihood of workers around the world amid the proliferation of the fourth industrial revolution, climate change and the changing world.
 
The South African national launch of the report will take place alongside the 45th Session of the African Regional Labour Administration Council from 26-28 February 2019 at the Fairmont Zimbali Lodge in Ballito north of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. 
 
The African Regional Labour Administration Council is a gathering of Labour Ministers and other delegates from 19 African countries under the theme “Towards Gender Equality in the Future of Work”. This meeting is aligned to one of the 10 recommendations of the Future of Work report that calls on all ILO member countries to set measurable targets for achieving gender equality.
 
President Ramaphosa will present the Commission’s key recommendations that advocate a human-centred approach to the challenges and opportunities arising from rapid technological and environmental change.
 
In the State of the Nation Address earlier this month, President Ramaphosa outlined five priorities for the government, which included improving the education system and developing the skills that are needed now and into the future.
 
President Ramaphosa further announced on the impending appointment of the Presidential Commission on the 4th Industrial Revolution to harness technological change in pursuit of inclusive growth and social development.
 
Details of the launch of the ILO Future of Work Report are:
Date: 01 March 2019
Time: 07h30
Venue: Fairmont Zimbali Resort, Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal Province
 
Members of the media covering the launch should send their names and ID/Passport numbers by 14h00 on 28 February 2019, to khutjos@gmail.com or 079 898 4621 using the form below.
 
NB: Only accredited media will be allowed to cover the event. Accredited media will be advised on collection of accreditation.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Accreditation form for The Future of Work Report.pdf

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 01 March 2019, address the Black Business Council (BBC) Summit Dinner at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.

The BBC is a confederation of professionals, business associations, chambers and corporates with more than two (2) million members. It advocates for national economic transformation through the attainment of meaningful participation by black business in the mainstream economy.

This two (2) days summit which commences on Thursday, 28 February 2019, will be an interaction between government, labour, civil society and business   on matters relating to the country’s economy.  Amongst the issues the summit is expected to discuss is land reform, South Africa’s readiness for the fourth   (4th) Industrial Revolution, comprehensive socio-economic transformation as well as mechanisms to increase the number of new entrants into the   economy thus creating much needed jobs and reducing unemployment.

The President will address the closing of the summit at its Gala Dinner.

Media is invited to cover the President’s address as follows:
Date: Friday, 01 March 2019
Time: 18:00 for 19:00
Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand

Members of the media who would like to cover the Summit Gala Dinner should liaise with Tsakane Khambane on 082 084 5566 or tsakane@presidency.gov.za.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Sunday, 03 March 2019 undertake a working visit to Mbabane, in the Kingdom of Eswatini, for discussions with His Majesty King Mswati III.

South Africa and Eswatini have cordial bilateral relations which are informed by cultural affinities, geographical proximity and historical ties dating back to the struggle against colonialism and apartheid in South Africa.

The structured bilateral relations between the two countries are conducted through the Joint Bilateral Commission for Cooperation (JBCC) which was  established on 20 December 2004, and is convened at a Ministerial Level.

Furthermore, both countries have signed 21 bilateral agreements which serve as legal instruments for cooperation in areas such as cross-border movement of people and goods, trade and investment, health, defence and policing, among others.

South Africa is the largest trading partner of Eswatini. Total bilateral trade between the two countries amounted to R 33,4 billion in 2017, with exports from South Africa amounting to R 17,1 billion, whilst imports from the Kingdom reached a value of R16.2 billion.    

The President will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu and Minister of State Security, Ms Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba. 


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed new members of the Municipal Demarcation Board, with effect from today, 1 March 2019, for a period of   five years.

The new members are the following;

(1) Mr Thabo Moses Manyoni
(2) Ms Mbali Pearl Myeni
(3) Mr Monnapula Petrus Motlogelwa
(4) Mr David Mohale
(5) Mr Albert Kekesi
(6) Ms Nomso Baliso
(7) Ms Greta Apelgrein-Narkedien
(8) Mr Themba Dubazana
(9) Ms Mmatsie Mookie
(10) Ms Mabjoalo Jane Thupana

Mr Thabo Moses Manyoni has been appointed as Chairperson and Ms Mbali Pearl Myeni as Deputy Chairperson of the Board.

The President has thanked the former Board for their hard work and contribution to the strengthening of democratic local governance, and wishes the new Board well with their new responsibilities.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded a Working Visit to the Kingdom of eSwatini where he held talks with His Majesty King Mswati III on a range of bilateral issues.

President Ramaphosa’s visit formed part of a series of courtesy calls on heads of state and government in the Southern African Development Community following his election as President in February 2018.

President Ramaphosa has paid similar visits to Angola, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and Mozambique.

During his visit to the Hlane Royal Residence, President Ramaphosa and His Majesty King Mswati reviewed bilateral cooperation between the two countries in discussions that reflected the warmth of relations between the two leaders and the governments and people of the neighbouring states.

In this regard they noted with appreciation the ongoing cooperation in many sectors including trade and investment, security, health and education.

The two leaders directed the ministers of international relations and cooperation in the two countries to convene the Joint Bilateral Commission on Cooperation (JBCC) that oversees the implementation of signed agreements between South Africa and eSwatini.

They further directed that ministers should ensure that the issue of congestion at border posts and other outstanding issues are attended to.

President Ramaphosa and His Majesty King Mswati III also exchanged views on current developments in the SADC region. They also congratulated Nigeria and Senegal for conducting peaceful elections.

His Majesty King Mswati III wished the people of South Africa well for the success of the forthcoming provincial and national elections.

Following the deliberations of the two heads of state, King Mswati III invited President Ramaphosa to the conclusion of the annual Buganu Festival which celebrates the harvest of the first marula fruit of the season. This event was also attended by Her Majesty the Queen Mother.

Addressing regiments of Lutsango dancers from different parts of eSwatini at the close of the Buganu Festival, His Majesty warmly welcomed the visit by President Ramaphosa and expressed the wish that the two states would engage more frequently to “exchange ideas for the betterment of our peoples” and the “furtherance of relations as friendly neighbours”.

In his response President Ramaphosa expressed his appreciation for eSwatini’s hosting of the Working Visit and commended the Kingdom on its celebration of eSwatini culture.

President Ramaphosa also expressed appreciation for the solidarity shown by the people of eSwatini to South Africans during the struggle against apartheid.

The President said: “Now is the time for economic development. Our two countries are focusing on growing our economies and creating jobs for young people.”

President Ramaphosa said the talks had identified a broad range of opportunities for bilateral cooperation in sectors such as tourism, information and communications technology, the Fourth Industrial Revolution and agriculture.

The President expressed the wish that future cooperation be facilitated at the level of a binational commission.

President Ramaphosa was accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ms Lindiwe Sisulu and Minister of State Security Ms Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has this morning, 03 March 2019 arrived for a working visit in the Kingdom of Eswatini.

The President and His Majesty King Mswati III will today hold discussions on bilateral, regional and continental issues as well as international developments.

South Africa and Eswatini have cordial bilateral relations which are informed by cultural affinities, geographical proximity and historical ties dating back to the struggle against colonialism and apartheid in South Africa.

 The structured bilateral relations between the two countries are conducted through the Joint Bilateral Commission for Cooperation (JBCC) which was   established on 20 December 2004, and is convened at a Ministerial Level.

Furthermore, both countries have signed 21 bilateral agreements which serve as legal instruments for cooperation in areas such as cross-border movement of people and goods, trade and investment, health, defence and policing, among others.

South Africa is the largest trading partner of Eswatini. Total bilateral trade between the two countries amounted to R 33,4 billion in 2017, with exports from South Africa amounting to R 17,1 billion, whilst imports from the Kingdom reached a value of R16.2 billion.      

The President is accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu and Minister of State Security, Ms Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba. 


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 06 March 2019, address the 2019 Young Presidents Organisation (YPO) Global Leadership Conference Dinner at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in the Western Cape.

Founded in 1950, YPO is a global network of young chief executives of companies in diverse industries, with approximately 24 000 members from   more than 130 countries.

The organisation meets annually to foster its objective of creating better leadership through education, peer guidance and the sharing of ideas.

The President’s address to this global audience of business leaders will underline South Africa’s status as a partner and market that is open for business   and welcomes investment.

The Dinner will also be attended by the President of the Republic of Rwanda, H.E Paul Kagame.

The dinner will take place as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 06 March 2019
Time: 17:00 for 19:00
Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre

Members of the media who would like to cover the Dinner should liaise with Tsakane Khambane on 082 084 5566 / Tsakane@presidency.gov.za by no later than 15:30 on Tuesday, 05 March 2019. 


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will, on Friday, 08 March 2019, officially launch the national Good Green Deeds programme in East London, Eastern Cape Province at the Sisa Dukashe stadium, Mdantsane at 8h00.
 
Whilst the President is leading the national launch in the Eastern Cape, other provinces are expected to simultaneously host similar Good Green Deeds   activities.
 
The Good Green Deeds programme is a ground-breaking environmental awareness programme that seeks to mobilise all sectors in South Africa to become more environmentally conscious. Littering, illegal dumping, pollution and other harmful activities have ill effects on the natural environment as   well as the quality of life and health of communities.
 
The focus of the programme will be on promoting sustainable waste management practices such as recycling. It also aims to galvanise the society at large to change their behaviour around the environment and learn to prevent, and reduce waste and pollution by cleaning South Africa. The call to action is born out of a realisation that the natural resources are experiencing pressure as a result of preventable pollution.
 
The programme will have an economic value to the country – by diverting waste away from landfills will provide considerable social, economic and environmental opportunities for the country, including job creation and enterprise development. It is estimated that South Africa’s waste economy contributes a minimum of R15 billion to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
 
Furthermore, the Good Green Deeds programme also encourages other responsible environmental practices including the use of clean technology in all sectors of the economy, particularly in transport, agriculture, mining, manufacturing and construction industries. It also promotes better planning and involvement of all role players in building green spaces, community parks, land use, and sustainable human settlements.
 
All these efforts are geared towards the attainment of the Constitutional right to an environment that is not harmful to the health and well-being of South Africans.
 
Accredited media will be expected to present their valid press cards at the launch event.
 

Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707 or Albi Modise, Environmental Affairs Spokesperson on 083 490 2871

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Saturday, 09 February 2019, officiate a land restitution ceremony that will mark successful claims by 10 Gauteng communities who will be presented with title deeds and financial compensation.

Hosted by Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, the ceremony will be held at the Moretele Recreation Park in Mamelodi, Tshwane, at 10h00 under the theme “Land Restitution at Work – Reversing the Legacy of the 1913 Native Land Act”.

The land claims totalling R203 million were facilitated by the Commmission on the Restitution of Land Rights to the benefit of communities in the cities of Tshwane, Johannesburg, and Ekurhuleni.

 Title deeds will be handed over to the Mahlangu and Malobola families while financial compensation will be presented in respect of nine claims which include:
• the Dukathole community;
• Ebenezer Churches;
• Motshile Jacob Mathabe;
• Franspoort 332 JR Claim;
• Hondsrivier 508 JR – Msiza family claim;
• Kafferskraal Land Claim;
• Tweefontein 491 JR – Mahlangu Family;
• Tweefontein 491 JR – Ntuli Family, 
• and Vygeboschlaagte 236 JQ – Rodman community claim.

These groups lost their land when they were abruptly removed from their properties by pre-democratic administrations who acted in terms of the widely resisted 1913 Natives Land Act.

The handover ceremony will include the presentation of title deeds to the Nanduna Community Property Association in the City of Tshwane to whom 142 hectares of land will be restored.

To date the Gauteng Provincial Land Claims Commission has settled 11 012 claims out of a total of 11 437 lodged in 1998.

President Ramaphosa has consistently outlined that land redistribution, restitution and reform will be remedied through due process that will enable South Africa to develop and maintain food security, and to grow the agricultural sector.

Details of the Land Restitution ceremony are as follows:
Date: 09 March 2019
Time: 10:00
Venue: Moretele Recreation Park, Mamelodi, City of Tshwane 

Media are advised to RSVP on 06 March 2019 by 16h00 to Mr Tshepo Diale on 071 850 1751 / tshepo.diale@drdlr.gov.za and Mr Sibusiso Lubisi on 076 793 1658 / sibusiso.lubisi@drdlr.gov.za. 


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Ramaphosa will update the nation about government's processing of evidence emerging from the Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, as well as developments around the power utility, Eskom, when he replies to questions in the National Assembly today, 7 March 2019.

Putting questions for oral or written reply are some of the measures employed by Parliament to fulfill its Constitutional obligation to maintain oversight over the exercise of executive action, including the implementation of laws. 

 Accordingly, President Ramaphosa is expected to unpack government’s plans for Eskom, including measures to stabilise the power utility’s finances,   ensure the security of electricity supply and develop long-term sustainability for the utility through restructuring and other initiatives.

The President will also provide an update on legislation regarding the functions and powers of traditional leaders in South Africa. He is expected to indicate whether government will give effect to the December 2000 Cabinet Committee recommendations on the amendment of Chapters 7 and 12 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, for the purposes of clarifying the role of traditional leaders.

Following the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation’s reply on 14 November 2018 on the downgrading of the South African Embassy in Israel to a liaison office, the President is expected to outline progress on the matter.

Details of the National Assembly engagement are as follows:
Date: 07 March 2019
Time: 14:00
Venue: National Assembly, Parliament, Cape Town


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria