Cape Town - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa is poised to engage with members of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP)   during oral replies to questions on a number of issues of national interest including South Africa’s position regarding the intended   withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) against the background of the recent Gauteng North Court decision on the matter.
 
Among key issues the Deputy President is expected to provide oral replies to matters concerning question on the national minimum   wage, SANAC’S efforts to reduce gender-based violence, public access to the parliamentary communication channel, and  alignment of   provincial plans with the National Development Plan (NDP).
 
 On the national minimum wage members of the NCOP have requested to be briefed on measures that NEDLAC has undertaken to determine the human resource and organisational capacity to monitor and enforce compliance with the proposed national minimum wage of R20-00 an hour and expected to come into effect on 01 May 2018.
 
Equally Deputy President Ramaphosa who also chairs the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) will brief members of the NCOP on efforts to reduce the HIV epidemic as well as the national strategy to reach out to the sex worker sectors against the background of the current legislation that outlaws sex work.
 
The Deputy President is once more expected to brief the NCOP on programmes that government has embarked upon to deal with recent acts of violence and protests in various communities against drugs and crime in general. In his previous interaction with members of the National Assembly, Deputy President Ramaphosa condemned the violence in the communities and stressed that South Africans are not xenophobic.
 
Deputy President Ramaphosa has also been requested to reflect on the need to increase the footprint of the national parliamentary TV channel as a means of communication and reaching out to various communities.
 
In the context of the National Development Plan, Deputy President Ramaphosa will brief members of the NCOP on government efforts to ensure alignment of provincial government plans with the National Development Plan as part of efforts to address challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.
 

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Cape Town - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa is, later today, Wednesday 15 March 2017, poised to engage with members of the National Council  of Provinces (NCOP) during oral replies to questions on a number of issues of national interest including South Africa’s position regarding the intended withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) against the background of the recent Gauteng North Court decision on he matter.
 
Among key issues the Deputy President is expected to provide oral replies includes, matters concerning question on the national minimum wage, SANAC’S efforts to reduce gender-based violence, the protection of the poultry industry and avoid job losses, and alignment of provincial development plans with the National Development Plan (NDP).
 
On the national minimum wage, members of the NCOP have requested to be briefed on measures that NEDLAC has undertaken to determine the human resource and organisational capacity to monitor and enforce compliance with the proposed national minimum wage of R20-00 an hour that is expected to come into effect on 01 May 2018.
 
Equally Deputy President Ramaphosa, who also chairs the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), will brief members of the NCOP on efforts to reduce the HIV epidemic as well as on the national strategy to reach out to the sex worker sectors against the background of the current legislation that outlaws sex work.
 
The Deputy President is once more expected to brief the NCOP on programmes that government has embarked upon to deal with recent acts of violence and protests in various communities against drugs and crime in general. In his previous interaction with members of the National Assembly, Deputy President Ramaphosa condemned the violence in the communities and stressed that South Africans are not xenophobic.
 
Deputy President Ramaphosa has also been requested to reflect on the need to protect South Africa’s poultry industry and avoid job losses.
 
In the context of the National Development Plan, Deputy President Ramaphosa will brief members of the NCOP on government efforts to ensure alignment of provincial government development plans with the National Development Plan as part of efforts to address challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.

Irene - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), address the National Skills Conference at the St George Hotel, Irene, Centurion, on Friday 24 March 2017. 
 
The conference is organised by the Department of Higher Education and Training in conjunction with the National Skills Authority (NSA). The event will be attended by delegates from industry, SETAs, organised labour, education and training providers, community organisations, colleges, universities, government departments responsible for human resource development, and other strategic agencies in the skills development sector.
 
The theme for the conference is: “An integrated and differentiated Post-School Education and Training system “Past, Present and Future”. 
 
The conference’s objectives are, among others:
 
•  Strengthening the skills development system to enhance productive and decent work for current and future socio-economic growth and development;
•  Unpacking the strategy principles of the proposed National Skill Development Plan in the context of current economic challenges as well as opportunities presented by the NDP and other national growth and development strategies;
•  Deepening the understanding of opportunities for synchronisation and collaboration between post-school education and training institution and skills development bodies;
•  Creating a platform for a strengthened social partnership model for planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of skills development and
•  Positioning skills development to address rising youth unemployment.
 
Deputy President Ramaphosa will be supported by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande. 
 
Members of the media are invited as follows:

Date: Friday, 24 March 2017      
Venue: St George Hotel, Irene, Pretoria      
Time: 09h00      
 
For enquiries and accreditation please contact, Sam Matome Bopape 082 318 5251 or Matome@presidency.gov.za


Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

It was with a profound sense of loss that I learned of the passing this morning of Ahmed Kathrada, a beloved comrade, father and friend.

A warm, courageous, compassionate and resolute person, Kathy will be missed by the many people whose lives he touched and enriched.

I join the people of South Africa – and friends from across the world – in extending my deepest sympathies to his wife, Barbara, and his family, friends and comrades. Your love and support sustained him through a lifetime of service, sacrifice and struggle.

He will be remembered as an unassuming freedom fighter, whose wisdom, tolerance, humility, steadfastness and humour earned him the love and respect of our people.

After his release from prison, after the achievement of democracy and the adoption of a new democratic Constitution, even as others contemplated retirement, Kathy was determined to continue to serve the people.

The establishment of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation was born out of his conviction that he could not rest for as long as the people of this country were not free from want, hunger and ignorance.

After a lifetime of struggle, the work of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation will cement his legacy as a resolute champion of non-racialism, reconciliation and nation building.

His dedication, through the Foundation, to the development of a new generation of young leaders will ensure that his impact on the development of a new, better society will endure for years to come.

As we mourn the passing of Ahmed Kathrada, we celebrate a life that was lived in the service of humanity.

As we prepare to lay his mortal remains to rest, we are reminded of our solemn duty to live by his example and to complete his work.


Note to editors:

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa was the founding Chairperson of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation.


Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Midrand – The Human Resource Development Council of South Africa (HRDCSA) has adopted the revised Human Resource Development Strategy: Towards 2030 at its 17th meeting held at the Gallagher Convention Centre on Thursday, 30 March 2017.

The Council, chaired by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, has recommended that the adopted strategy be presented to Cabinet for approval.
 
The revised strategy sets out clear roles for government, labour and business in the development of skills that will match the needs of the   economy and society. The revised draft strategy also sets out clear monitoring and evaluation processes.
 
Building on a call in 2016 by Deputy President Ramaphosa that industry adopt TVET colleges, Council members have undertaken to adopt colleges individually, to offer support and mentorship that will enhance the functioning of such institutions.
 
Council members’ involvement in TVET colleges will provide support in relation to infrastructure, and other resources that are needed for the success of the programmes in the colleges.
 
The HRDCSA is a multi-stakeholder body that creates an enabling, coordinated and intergrated environment to focus on improving the human resource development base and skills of the South African people.
 

Enquires: Brenda Ntombela, Email: Ntombela.B@dhet.gov.za ; Cell:  082 573 3716
 
Issued by: The Human Resource Development Council of South Africa Secretariat

BLOEMFONTEIN - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, supported by the Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe, and Members of the Executive Council, will on Friday, 31 March 2017, launch the National Strategic Plan on HIV, TB and STIs (2017-2022) in Mangaung, Free State.

Deputy President Ramaphosa is the Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), a voluntary association that includes government, civil society and all other stakeholders committed to drive an enhanced country response to HIV, TB and STIs.
 
The launch of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) is one of the highlights of the TB month which is commemorated annually across the globe to raise awareness about Tuberculosis (TB). The NSP is the strategic guide for the national response to HIV, TB and STIs in South Africa. One of the objectives of the Plan is to intensify focus on geographic areas and populations most severely affected by the epidemics.
 
This Plan is usually developed for a period of 5 years, and the current one is coming to an end on 31 March 2017. The slogan of this new NSP is, “Let Our Actions Count” which is a call to action for all South Africans to play a party in achieving the goals of the Plan.
 
This year the government is targeting mainly leaders of society such as Parliamentarians, Members of Provincial Legislatures, Councillors, Traditional leaders, Business leaders, Religious leaders and civil society to commit themselves in the fight against these epidemics and to engage their communities and constituencies.
 
Media is invited to cover as follows:
 
Part 1
Launch of the Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) 9-month regimen
Time: 08h00 - 09h30
Venue: Pelonomi Hospital, Bloemfontein
           
Part 2
Formal Launch of the NSP and Panel Discussions
Time: 10h00 - 12h00
Venue: Clive Solomon Stadium, Bloemfontein
                       
Part 3
Community Activations/Engagements
Time: 13h00 - 13h40
Venue: Hoffman Square, Bloemfontein

 
For enquiries and accreditation, please contact Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251 or Kanya Ndaki on 0832986100
 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Pretoria - The Presidency has noted conflicting media reports and social media commentary on the events surrounding the request for postponement of the Official Memorial Service of the late Mr Ahmed Kathrada. The event was due to take place on Saturday, 01 April 2017 in Soweto.

We wish to place it on record that Deputy President Ramaphosa did not cancel the memorial service but requested a postponement.

The facts are that Deputy President Ramaphosa had been tasked by President Jacob Zuma to lead the government delegation and address the memorial event. Earlier in the week, Deputy President Ramaphosa had led the government delegation to Mr Kathrada’s funeral at the West Park Cemetery, Johannesburg, as delegated by President Jacob Zuma.

Government’s participation in the funeral and at official memorial service was coordinated by the Inter-Ministerial Committee responsible for state and official funerals.

On the eve of the scheduled memorial event, Deputy President Ramaphosa was of the view that inadequate preparations had been made to enable a successful official memorial service and that in view of political developments in the country, a postponement was required to afford South Africans an opportunity to honour Mr Kathrada with the requisite honour and dignity.

Based on this assessment, Deputy President Ramaphosa requested the Director-General in The Presidency, Dr Cassius Lubisi, to convey to the Inter-Ministerial Committee the Deputy President’s suggestion that the memorial service be postponed until the situation is reassessed.

Based on Deputy President Ramaphosa’s recommendations, the Inter-Ministerial Committee responsible for state and official  funerals duly effected the postponement. 

The Presidency then communicated the proposal for a postponement to the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation.

President Jacob Zuma was not involved in these processes.

Government is committed to honouring the late Mr Kathrada at an appropriate time in consultation with the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation and the family. Such consultation is routinely undertaken in instances where distinguished South Africans are honoured with official funerals.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family and friends of the late Mr Kathrada who is held in high regard by government and the people of South Africa.

We regret all the confusion, hurt and confusion that has been caused by this postponement. We will make further announcements on the date and nature memorial as soon as details are finalised with all role players.


Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa on 082-990-4853
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

MIDRAND – Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Friday, 07 April 2017, deliver closing remarks at the 3rd Presidential Local Government Summit at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Gauteng.

Deputy President Ramaphosa attends the Summit at the invitation of the Minister of Cooperate Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr Des van Rooyen.

The Summit takes place under the theme, “Transforming Municipal spaces for Radical and Economic Development” and has the following objectives:

· To set a new intergovernmental agenda for ‘Managing Municipal Spaces for Radical Social and Economic Transformation’;
· To strengthen the system of local government in the second phase of the Back to Basics Programme, reflecting on successes, challenges and the developmental role of local government;
· To discuss the centrality of integrated and spatially coherent development planning across sectors and spheres; and
· To provide an opportunity for interaction with leaders in national, provincial and local spheres of government. 
 
Furthermore, as part of the Back to Basics (B2B) second phase priorities, the Summit intends to set a new strategic framework for intergovernmental contributions to meet the objective goal of the National Development Plan (NDP) for transformation of human settlements and the national space economy.

The Summit is being attended by Ministers, members of Parliament, premiers and members of provincial executive councils, the business sector, unions, traditional leaders, members of the state institutions supporting constitutional democracy, and the leadership of the South African Local Government Association.

Media are invited to cover as follows:

Date: Friday, 07 April 2017
Time: 12H30
Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, Gauteng
 

For enquiries and accreditation please contact Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251 or Legadima Leso on 083 378 9495

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Johannesburg- Nedlac convened a Special Executive Council meeting today, Tuesday, 11 April 2017 to assess and respond to the current challenges facing the country following the recent downgrade of the country’s investment status. The Deputy President, Cyril Ramaphosa, chaired the meeting at the invitation of the social partners.
 
The meeting was attended by Nedlac social partners comprising senior leadership of Labour, Business, Community and Government, including Ministers Malusi Gigaba and Mildred Oliphant and Deputy Minister Sfiso Buthelezi including senior government officials.
 
 The social partners welcomed the Minister and the Deputy Minister of Finance who were attending the NEDLAC Special Executive Council in their new capacities. The social partners also took the opportunity to acknowledge the sterling contribution of the outgoing Director-General Fuzile Lungisa.
 
The meeting expressed the hope that the transition to the appointment of the new Director -General will further contribute to the stability of the Treasury.
 
The meeting received a briefing from the Minister of Finance on government’s assessment of the context in which the two recent sovereign downgrades by Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings occurred including steps that should be undertaken to avoid a further downgrade and a return to investment grade.
 
The meeting expressed concern about the impact the downgrades would have on the economy in general and the quality of life especially for the poor and working class, on job creation, sustainability of business, including small businesses and the ability of big companies to grow and create jobs, infrastructure projects and social reforms.
 
Informed by our past experience in dealing with the 2008 challenges of the global economic crisis, the meeting expressed confidence in the ability of Nedlac social partners to act together and constructively assist the country to mitigate the impact of the downgrade.
 
The Nedlac social partners have agreed to establish a high level task team to be briefed by National Treasury, on an ongoing basis, to co-ordinate our all-round efforts to respond to the current challenges.
 
The meeting agreed on the need for a consistent and confidence-building message that demonstrates South Africa’s commitment to accelerated inclusive growth.

 
Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853
 
The Presidency
Pretoria

MORIA - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will later today, Sunday, 16 April 2017 join thousands of congregants and church members of the St. Engenas Zion Christian Church (ZCC) in a prayer service at Moria, to celebrate Easter Sunday.
 
The Deputy President is the Patron of the Moral Regeneration Movement aimed at instilling high moral values in our society with particular reference to the youth and as part of contributing to social cohesion and the building of a peaceful, non-racial, non-sexist democratic society.
 
In this regard, the Christian Church and indeed the entire religious formations of our country have and continue to play a major role in efforts aimed at the reconstruction and development of the soul of our South African society and thus assist in laying a firm foundation for a caring society and the creation of a better life for all South Africans.
 
We believe that only working jointly and collectively with various sectors of our society, including religious formations, can we tackle the social ills that are currently afflicting our society. Indeed as South Africa our history is replete with examples of how in acting in unison and collectively we have been able to tackle and triumphed over issues that may have appeared intractable.
 
As Deputy President Ramaphosa joins the St. Engenas ZCC prayer service, his thoughts and prayers will reach out to all other denomination across the country that will equally be joined in spirt in celebrating Easter Sunday.
 
Equally, the Deputy President will take the opportunity to remind those who will be returning home following the Easter holidays to drive carefully, cooperate with the law enforcement agencies, observe the rules of the road and ensure we arrive alive!
 
Other members of the cabinet including President Jacob Zuma joined various church services across the country in celebrating Easter Weekend celebrations.
 
Media is invited as follows:
 
13h00 - Arrival of Deputy President Ramaphosa and courtesy call on the Bishop
14h00 - Church service
16h30 - End of church service
 
* Photo-opportunity
* Doorstop with media by the Deputy President

 
Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

The Presidency
Pretoria