President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as Convenor of the National Dialogue, will on Saturday, 17 January 2026 deliver the keynote address at the National Dialogue Induction of the Steering Committee to be held at the University of South Africa (Unisa)’s Muckleneuk’s main campus in Pretoria. 

The induction, which will take place until Sunday, 18 January 2026, follows the National Convention and the handover from the Convention Organising Committee.

In line with his responsibility in terms of Section 83 of the Constitution to promote national unity, President Ramaphosa convened an inclusive National Dialogue to address the challenges confronting the country.

The National Dialogue Steering Committee is responsible for setting strategic priorities and coordinating implementation of the National Dialogue process across the country.

The Steering Committee induction will focus on governance, ethics, decision-making protocols, public accountability, and the realities of rebuilding trust in a context where many South Africans are understandably sceptical of consultative processes that do not lead to change. 

Furthermore, the Steering Committee induction will work towards outlining the practical roadmap for the implementation roadmap and phased plan for dialogues. 

Over the last few months, many organisations in the 33 identified sectors and 6 sub-sectors held various meetings to identify their nominees. Every effort has been made to ensure that no sector of our society is left behind.

Details of the event are as follows:

Date: Saturday, 17 and Sunday, 18 January 2026 
Time: 08h00
Venue: University of South Africa (Unisa) Muckleneuk Main Campus, Pretoria

President Ramaphosa will address the meeting virtually.

You're invited to Meeting: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/34887391063019?p=FkzUYmEDVUh5y8i30x. Tap on the link or paste it in a browser to join.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa hosted Colonel Michael Randrianirina, President of the Refoundation of the Republic of Madagascar, for a briefing at Mahlamba Ndlopfu, the Official Residence in Pretoria.

Colonel Randrianirina briefed President Ramaphosa on the steps being taken towards a peaceful transitional process, which includes a national dialogue amongst all the people of Madagascar. 

President Ramaphosa welcomed the briefing and, in line with the decision of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), took the opportunity to reiterate the need to support Madagascar’s transition to constitutional democracy with an inclusive national dialogue that will lead to elections as soon as possible.

In this regard, President Ramaphosa reaffirmed SADC's decision to deploy the Panel of the Elders to Madagascar. 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will this afternoon, Thursday, 15 January 2026, visit flood-stricken parts of Limpopo Province to assess the extent of the damage and the response of Government. 

The President’s thoughts are with families who have lost loved ones, people who have been injured and individuals, businesses and organisations who have lost property.

Due to the constraints presented by the state of the roads in the flood areas and rescue missions currently under way, facilitation of media coverage will be constrained.

The Presidency will endeavour to gather footage and distribute to the media.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The South African Government is following the developments in Iran with concern.

The reports of unrest and the subsequent loss of life are concerning, and South Africa urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint.

South Africa firmly believes that the right to peaceful protest, freedom of expression, and freedom of association are universal human rights that must be upheld without exception.

We therefore call on the Iranian authorities to ensure that citizens exercise their right to protest in peace.

Sustainable peace and stability can only be achieved through solutions that center the agency of the Iranian people.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Paul Mashatile, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Matric Class of 2025 following the release of the National Senior Certificate results.

The Deputy President commends the matriculants for their resilience, discipline, and determination in reaching this important milestone, noting that their achievement represents both personal success and a critical contribution to the country’s future development.

In his message, the Deputy President encourages the matriculants to take advantage of government-supported opportunities aimed at supporting young people as they transition into higher education, skills development, and employment.

The Deputy President reaffirmed government’s commitment to investing in young people and creating inclusive opportunities that enable them to participate meaningfully in the economy and society.

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President, on 066 195 8840.

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has this morning, 12 January 2026, arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to participate in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ASDW).

The ADSW 2026 held under the theme “Nexus of Next: All Systems Go”, brings together the global sustainability community to ignite impactful dialogues and bold ideas aimed at fostering cross-sector collaboration and delivering breakthrough solutions to advance sustainable development worldwide.

On Tuesday, 13 January 2026, President Ramaphosa will hold bilateral talks with Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, ahead of the ADSW Opening Ceremony.

The President will attend the opening ceremony as well as the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony, which celebrates 11 winners driving real-world impact across the categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools.

In advancing discussion on economic transformation, ethical governance, and youth empowerment, the President will address the Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) Forum and Hub, under the theme Leading the Just Transition: Youth, Skills, and Inclusive Growth.

The President will also participate in the Heads of State Panel discussion on the topic: “A vision for Global Energy”. In addition, he will also participate in a high level session titled: Next Leap: Global South Infrastructure, which will focus on accelerating bankable, scalable infrastructure investment across the Global South.

South Africa maintains cordial bilateral relations with the UAE, characterised by regular high-level visits as well as robust economic cooperation, for the mutual benefit of both countries. The UAE is also a major investor in the South African economy across various sectors such as transport, logistics and renewable energy.

During his visit, the President will also engage with leading captains of the industry and business leaders to promote investment and strengthen collaboration.

The President is accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola; Minister in The Presidency, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau; and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi.

PROGRAMME OF THE PRESIDENT

Tuesday, 13 January 2026

ADSW Opening Ceremony and Zayed Sustainability Prize Ceremony: 07h00 - 09h00 SAST

Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) Forum and Hub: 12h10 – 12h15 SAST

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026: Heads of State Panel: 12h35 - 13h10

Next Leap: Global South Infrastructure: 13h30 – 14h00 SAST

ADSW proceedings can be followed on https://youtube.com/@adswagenda?si=PgEde1II--HEPSoI

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 12-13 January 2026, at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to participate in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ASDW).

The ADSW is an annual event hosted in Abu Dhabi, capital city of the United Arab Emirates. The 2026 event will be held from 11-15 January 2026, under the theme “Nexus of Next: All Systems Go”.

The ADSW summit brings together the Heads of State and Government, the private sector leaders and civil society to promote multi-stakeholder collaboration, drive large-scale systemic change, and shape the next era of global sustainability.

South Africa maintains cordial bilateral relations with the UAE, characterised by regular high-level visits as well as robust economic cooperation, for the mutual benefit of both countries. The UAE is also a major investor in the South African economy across various sectors such as transport, logistics and renewable energy.

In 2024, bilateral trade between both countries reached US$5,22 billion.

South Africa’s exports to the UAE totalled US$2,68 billion, reflecting an increase of 5.53% compared to 2023. Imports from the UAE amounted to US$2.96 billion, representing a decline of 25,8% over the same period. As a result, South Africa recorded a trade deficit of US$284 million in 2024.

The strong trade relations underscores the importance of the UAE as a strategic economic partner for South Africa in the middle east and highlights ongoing opportunities to deepen trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.

The President will participate in the Heads of State and Government segment, as well as other high level sessions of the summit. During his visit, the President will also engage with leading captains of the industry and business leaders to promote investment and strengthen collaboration.

The President will be accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola; Minister in The Presidency, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau; and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

The Minister in The Presidency, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, condemns attempts to vilify her image. The photoshopping of her X account with vulgar images and misinformation is not only distasteful but shameful as well.

In a country that is battling with a scourge of gender based violence, the continued use of sexual images to tarnish women is deplorable at the least. The cowards responsible for the photoshop represent the worst sexists and gender based violence perpetrators.

The public is warned about uncouth images published allegedly on the Minister’s account. The Minister’s account is not hacked but the images are photoshopped. Attempts to defocus Minister Ntshavheni from the tasks at hand will not succeed.

Government has also noticed the coordinated misinformation campaign primarily targeting Ministers and Deputy Ministers.

Minister Ntshavheni is not fazed by acts of cowardice.

Media enquiries: Nomonde Mnukwa - Acting Government Spokesperson, 083 653 7485

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Theme: Strengthening Community Institutions for Social Cohesion and Inclusive Social Protection

Programme Director,
NYDA leadership, including the Executive Deputy Chairperson and CEO,
Caregivers and staff of Rakatane Place of Safety,
Community leaders, volunteers, partners,
Most importantly, the children and young people we are here to serve,

It is an honour to be with you today at Rakatane Place of Safety, a space that represents care, protection and dignity for some of the most vulnerable members of our society.

Social cohesion and nation building are not built only through laws and policies, but through everyday institutions at community level that protect and nurture people.

Across South Africa, community-run and faith-based organisations quietly carry a heavy responsibility, often with limited resources, yet with deep commitment.

Places like Rakatane are not just facilities. They are homes, sanctuaries and bridges to a better future for children who have faced difficult circumstances.

Government recognises that when these institutions are weakened, the most vulnerable pay the price. When they are strengthened, society as a whole benefits.

Rakatane currently provides care to 18 children and youth, including children with disabilities, school-going children, toddlers and unemployed youth.

The facility has identified infrastructure and maintenance challenges, which affect the quality of daily life for residents.

Today’s intervention focuses on deep cleaning, organising, restoring dignity and safety, and creating a more functional living environment.

This work may seem practical and hands-on, but it is deeply political in the best sense. It affirms that every child deserves a safe, clean and dignified space to live and grow.

Government’s presence here is not an act of charity, but a responsibility rooted in dignity, inclusion and shared accountability.

Our role is to ensure that women, youth, children and persons with disabilities are not left behind, regardless of where they live.

Initiatives like this translate policy commitments into real improvements in people’s daily lives, beyond speeches and documents.

Social protection works best when Government, communities and institutions act together, each playing their part.

I would like to express sincere appreciation to the caregivers, staff and volunteers who serve here with compassion, often under challenging conditions.

I also commend the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and partners for recognising that youth development and social cohesion begin with safe and supportive environments.

Your work reminds us that service is not only about programmes, but about human connection and consistency.

Let us continue to strengthen and sustain institutions that operate at the frontline of child wellbeing and social protection.

I encourage communities to keep working together to build safe, nurturing and inclusive spaces where children can grow, learn and thrive.

Government remains committed to walking this journey with you, listening, supporting and responding where possible.

When we protect our children, we protect the future of our country.

Let today not be a once-off visit, but part of an ongoing commitment to dignity, care and shared responsibility.

Together, we can ensure that no child feels forgotten and no community stands alone.

Thank you.

Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, will on Friday, 09 January 2025 lead a Community Outreach Programme at Rakatane Place of Safety in Tlhabane, North West Province.

The outreach programme, held in partnership with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), is hosted under the theme “Strengthening Community Institutions for Social Cohesion and Inclusive Social Protection.” The initiative underscores Government’s commitment to supporting community-based institutions that provide care, protection and stability for vulnerable children and young people.

Rakatane Place of Safety currently provides shelter and care to children and youth, including children with disabilities and toddlers. The programme will include practical, hands-on support activities such as cleaning, painting and restoring the facility to ensure a safe, dignified and functional living environment for its residents.

Through this engagement, the Deputy Minister will reaffirm Government’s view that strengthening community institutions is not an act of charity, but a shared responsibility rooted in dignity, inclusion and nation building.

Media are invited as follows:

Date: Friday, 09 January 2025
Time: 11h30 – 11h40 (Deputy Minister’s address)
Venue: Rakatane Place of Safety, 3292 Lerato Street, Unit 3, Bester, Tlhabane

Media enquiries: Ms Mandisa Mbele, Office of the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, on 082 580 2213 or mandisam@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria