President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 08 November 2019 officially open the Mpumalanga High Court in Mbombela. 

The Superior Courts Act of 2013 states that the High Court should have divisions in all nine provinces in the Republic of South Africa. 

The official opening of the High Court follows the commencement of its functioning in May this year. Before then, the people of Mpumalanga had to travel to the Pretoria High Court for all serious criminal offences and civil claims above the jurisdiction of the Magistrates Courts in the province.

The official opening of the court is a milestone towards enhancing access to justice for all communities. 

The media is invited to cover the event as follows:

Date: Friday, 08 November 2019 
Time: 09:00
Venue: Mpumalanga High Court, Samora Machel Drive, Mbombela, Mpumalanga Province 

Media was requested to apply for accreditation in an advisory issued by The Department of Justice. The closing date was 30 October 2019, 16:00. 
To follow up on accreditation matters please liaise with Tsakane Khambane on 082 084 5566.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Thursday the 07th November 2019, welcome the Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok rugby team to the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
 
Members of the public are welcome  to witness this event from Government Avenue, Arcadia.
 
The visit to the Union Buildings by the national team signifies the start of the Rugby World Champions’ National Trophy Tour.
 
Tomorrow’s event follows the rousing welcome the national rugby team received at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday, 05 November, upon their  return from victory in Yokohama, Japan.
 
The Rugby World Cup squad will parade the Webb Ellis Cup in Johannesburg, Durban, East London and Port Elizabeth before concluding the tour in Cape Town on Monday, 11 November.
 
Members of the media are invited as follows:
Date: 07 November 2019
Venue: Union Buildings, Pretoria.
Time: 07h00 – 08h00

Media RSVPs to Nangamso Gxaba on 072 321 6355.

 
Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, 07 November 2019, officially close the second South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) at an event to be held at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto Campus.

The President is leading government in hosting the conference from 5 to 7 November 2019, under the theme “Accelerating Growth by Building Partnerships”.

The Soweto Campus of the University is the venue for a Business Showcase facilitated by the conference. The showcase centres on entrepreneurship,  small business growth and innovation.

The showcase will feature panel discussions on various business questions such as the funding for start-ups and smaller ventures; risks associated with entrepreneurship; the work of the South Africa Jobs Fund and its importance as an investor-supporting job creation.

President Ramaphosa will deliver remarks that will bring the second South Africa Investment Conference - which has generated investment commitments by South African and international investors of at least R363 billion - to a close.

The annual conference is a key milestone in the country’s bold ambition to raise R1.2 trillion in new domestic and intentional investment over the next five years.

Members of the media accredited for the conference are invited as follows:
Date: Thursday, 07 November 2019
Time: 09h00
Venue: The University of Johannesburg, Soweto Campus

For more information on the conference and the programme, please visitwww.sainvestmentconference.co.za.


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

Issued by: The Presidency 
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a Special Provincial Official Funeral Category 2 for broadcaster and thought leader Mr Xolani Gwala who will be buried at Impendle in KwaZulu-Natal tomorrow, Saturday 09 November 2019.

The President has instructed that the National Flag fly at half-mast in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal this evening, Friday 08 November 2019.

Mr Gwala passed away on Friday 01 November 2019, at the age of 44 and following an extended illness.

Mr Gwala, who last served as a senior host on Talk Radio 702, established his reputation as a media professional during a career that took him from  newsreader on Ukhozi FM to P4 Radio in Kwa-Zulu Natal in the mid-1990s, to various radio and television platforms at the South African Broadcasting  Corporation.

A decade ago he was appointed news editor at a radio station based in Ramallah in the Palestinian territory.

President Ramaphosa extended heartfelt condolences to Mr Gwala’s family, friends and colleagues in the media fraternity in South Africa and abroad.

The President said: “We have lost a youthful veteran in an important sector in our country. As a professional who qualified in the mid-1990s, Xolani Gwala carried with him the values of our transition to democracy – the values of listening and being open to views that conflict with or offend your own, and a focus on solutions.”

Tomorrow’s special provincial official funeral will entail ceremonial elements that will be provided by the South African Police Service.

When the National Flag is half-masted, it should first be hoisted to the top of the flagstaff and then slowly lowered one third of the length of the flagpost from the top of the flagstaff. Regulations require that no other flags (eg SAPS, SANDF, corporate flags or other flags) should be displayed when the National Flag is flown at half-mast.


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

Issued by: The Presidency 
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead the South African delegation to the 11th BRICS Summit to be held in Brasilia, Brazil from 13 - 14 November 2019.

BRICS is an association of five major emerging countries - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa-, which together represent about 42% of the global population, 23% of GDP, 30% of the territory and 18% of the global trade. 

The 11th BRICS Summit is hosted by the Federative Republic of Brazil, as led by President Jair Messias Bolsonaro, as the 2019 BRICS Chair and is  convened under the theme  “BRICS: Economic Growth for an Innovative Future.”

Brazil’s priorities for its 2019 BRICS Chairship are innovation, fighting transnational crime, health and promoting trade and investment with a focus on  infrastructure development and possible Public Private Partnerships. 

The Summit will be preceded by the BRICS Business Forum where President Ramaphosa and other BRICS Leaders will interact with the BRICS Business Council to strengthen dialogue between the BRICS Business Council and BRICS leaders to strengthen and promote economic, trade, business and investment ties amongst the BRICS members. 

South Africa’s membership of BRICS enables the country to employ additional and powerful tools in its fight to address the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality through increased trade, investment, tourism, capacity building, skills and technology transfers. 

These objectives are further realised through BRICS’ Financial Institutions like the New Development Bank (NDB) and the Africa Regional Centre (ARC). The Johannesburg-based ARC, notably, is playing a catalytic role in providing financial and project preparation support for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in South Africa and Africa.

At an Institutional Development level, South Africa derives crucial benefits through the Track II institutions such as the BRICS Business Council and the BRICS Think-Tank Council, as well as the creation of the BRICS Inter-Bank Cooperation Mechanism.  Furthermore, the establishment in 2016 of the BRICS STI (Science, Technology & Innovation) funding mechanism and Framework Programme, is an example of the vital support for capacity building, as well as skills and technology transfer.

The objective of the President’s engagement in the BRICS Summit is to contribute to the future direction of BRICS, to strengthen intra-BRICS relations and mutually beneficial cooperation across the four pillars of cooperation, particularly in intra-BRICS trade and investment, as well as to ensure the ongoing implementation of the outcomes of the 10th BRICS Summit hosted in South Africa in 2018. 

The Summit will welcome the adoption of the Terms of Reference and Work Plan for the Advisory Group on the BRICS Partnership on the New Industrial Revolution (PartNIR), which is in line with South Africa’s theme of the BRICS Chairship in 2018, namely  “BRICS in Africa: Collaboration for Inclusive Growth and Shared Prosperity in the 4th Industrial Revolution”.

South Africa has made concerted efforts to place the African Continent and the Global South on the agenda of BRICS and to harmonise policies adopted in regional and international fora with those pursued in BRICS, i.e. Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

The exponential institutional development of BRICS has yielded institutions, including the New Development Bank (NDB), and its’ Africa Regional Centre (ARC) and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), amongst others, all of which are intended to make tangible and impactful contributions toward the development objectives of South Africa and BRICS. 

President Ramaphosa will utilize the opportunity to highlight to BRICS partners South Africa’s priorities for chairing the African Union (AU) in 2020 and the commencement of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area. 

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by the First Lady of the Republic of South Africa, Dr Tshepo Motsepe, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of Finance, Mr Tito Mboweni, Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Ebrahim Patel, Minister of Health, Dr Zwelini Mkhize and Minister of State Security, Ms Ayanda Dlodlo. 

Due to simultaneous working visits out of the country by the President and the Deputy President, President Ramaphosa has in terms of Section 90(1)(b) of the Constitution designated Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, to serve as Acting President from Tuesday 12 November to Friday 15 November 2019.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Acting President Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has, on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, expressed her heartfelt condolences following the passing of His Majesty, King Mpendulo Calvin Sigcawu, Ah! Zwelonke.

The Acting President has also on the part of government and the people of South Africa expressed her deepest condolences to the AmaXhosa Royal Family and the community as a whole, on the passing of His Majesty, the King.

"I am deeply saddened by the untimely passing of His Majesty King Zwelonke whose contribution to the development of the institution of traditional  leadership is beyond measure," said Acting President Dlamini Zuma.

His Majesty became King of amaXhosa in 2006 and led his people until his passing today, Thursday 14 November 2019.

He was also the first King in South Africa to be coronated in 2015 after the democratic recognition of traditional leadership.

“Our country has lost a leader who was close to his people; a torch-bearer for peace and unity,” says the Acting President. “As Government, we are proud to have worked with such a great leader. Kumkani Zwelonke will forever be remembered with great respect and admiration for his dedication and selflessness in serving his people. Lala kahle Tshawe!"


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

OR Lungi Mtshali, Spokesperson to the Acting President on 082 088 5060

Issued by: The Presidency
PretoriaActing President Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has, on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, expressed her heartfelt condolences following the passing of His Majesty, King Mpendulo Calvin Sigcawu, Ah! Zwelonke.

The Acting President has also on the part of government and the people of South Africa expressed her deepest condolences to the AmaXhosa Royal Family and the community as a whole, on the passing of His Majesty, the King.

"I am deeply saddened by the untimely passing of His Majesty King Zwelonke whose contribution to the development of the institution of traditional leadership is beyond measure," said Acting President Dlamini Zuma.

His Majesty became King of amaXhosa in 2006 and led his people until his passing today, Thursday 14 November 2019.

He was also the first King in South Africa to be coronated in 2015 after the democratic recognition of traditional leadership.

“Our country has lost a leader who was close to his people; a torch-bearer for peace and unity,” says the Acting President. “As Government, we are proud to have worked with such a great leader. Kumkani Zwelonke will forever be remembered with great respect and admiration for his dedication and selflessness in serving his people. Lala kahle Tshawe!"


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

OR Lungi Mtshali, Spokesperson to the Acting President on 082 088 5060

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The Black Business Council (BBC) has assured President Cyril Ramaphosa of its “unshakeable support” for government’s efforts to achieve inclusive economic growth.

At an engagement with President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria today, Thursday 21 November 2019, the Council committed to work in partnership with government to address the economic challenges represented by high levels of unemployment, especially youth unemployment; the country’s sovereign credit rating, and the systemic risk arising from Eskom’s financial and operational difficulties.

The Council outlined its keenness to address challenges faced in the South African economy and unlocking opportunities presented in various sectors. 

The Black Business Council represents black professionals and business associations and chambers, which has since the dawn of democracy partnered with government to increase the participation of black business in the nation’s economy. The Council is an influential voice in articulating the position of the business community around key national economic issues.

BBC President Sandile Zungu noted the progress made by government in areas such as preferential procurement; competition law; the allocation of radio frequency spectrum; the adoption of an integrated resource plan for energy; the fight against gender-based violence and femicide and the inception of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The Council drew attention to the challenges faced by state-owned enterprises; the erosion of capacity in the public sector; low levels of business confidence; the impact of crime on tourism; insufficient competition in the financial services sector; the effect of the crisis at Eskom on industrialisation, and the slow pace of digital migration.

The BBC briefed the President on opportunities arising from digital transformation, including the possible creation of 500,000 jobs in 10 years in globally traded services such as business process outsourcing; labour-absorbing platforms that will draw lower skilled workers into transport or accommodation services, and the positioning of South Africa as a hub for frontier technologies.

The Council also expressed its interest in ensuring that black business participates meaningfully in intra-African trade with the advent of free trade across the continent.

President Ramaphosa was accompanied by Minister of Trade and Industry Ebrahim Patel; Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Thoko Didiza and Minister of Tourism Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane.

The President said it was encouraging that the business sector, particularly black business, was keen to engage with government on the challenging economic climate to create jobs and improve the living conditions of South Africans.

He restated government’s irrevocable commitment to broad-based black economic empowerment as well as maintaining the non-racial character of the country. The President called for a national discussion on gender transformation which lags behind race transformation.

The President welcomed the BBC’s public statement of support to the incoming Chief Executive of Eskom and assured the Council that the selection process had been undertaken with the required rigour.

The President also welcomed the BBC’s willingness to work with government to build the capacity of the state. He called on BBC’s members in provinces to participate in the Khawuleza model of district-based development and work alongside the public sector in unlocking problems and developing solutions.
The President invited the BBC to further engagement on the Council’s call for a reimagination and repositioning of the township economy.

The President agreed that relevant Ministers would engage further with the BBC on issues raised in today’s discussion, and that there should be structured periodic engagements between the President and the Council.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a Working Visit to the Kingdom of Lesotho on Wednesday 27 November 2019 at the invitation of the Right Honourable Prime Minister Thomas Thabane to attend the closing ceremony of the Multistakeholder National Dialogue Plenary II.

President Ramaphosa is expected to engage with, among others, political parties and civil society groupings.

President Ramaphosa will attend the closing ceremony of the Multistakeholder National Dialogue Plenary II in his capacity as the SADC Facilitator to  Lesotho. 

President Ramaphosa was appointed the Southern African Development Community (SADC) facilitator to Lesotho in September 2014 when he held the  position of Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa.

After assuming the position of President of the Republic in 2018, President Ramaphosa appointed former Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke to lead the SADC Facilitation Team to Lesotho.

The Multistakeholder National Dialogue Plenary II, from 25 to 27 November 2019, is a very important milestone in the reforms process of the Kingdom of Lesotho. This will mark the end of the phase of consultations and negotiations on the reforms that are required. It will also be the beginning of a new phase of the operationalization of reforms under the guidance of the newly established National Reforms Authority.

The President will be accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, the Minister of State Security, Ms Ayanda Dlodlo, and the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called upon the South African Police Service (SAPS) to intensify the manhunt for the killer of 21 year old Limpopo student Precious Ramabulana, and to ensure the perpetrator is apprehended and brought to book swiftly.

Ramabulana was found dead on Sunday in her student accommodation in Mokomene, Limpopo after being attacked by an assailant in the early hours  of the morning.

“The savagery inflicted on this young woman – she was reportedly stabbed 52 times, points to a level of depravity that is beyond the comprehensible,”  President Ramaphosa said.

“We are horrified at yet another killing of an innocent woman, and we are angry, this simply cannot go on,” the President added.

President Ramaphosa has directed Minister of Police to avail all the necessary resources to support local police in the search for the killer.

On Monday the President launched the annual 16 Days of Activism of No Violence against Women and Children in Lephalale in Limpopo, where he updated the nation on progress in implementing the National Emergency Response Plan to combat gender-based violence and femicide.

“This week alone our courts have handed down life sentences to three perpetrators convicted of crimes against women and children: we are going to make good on our promise to the women of this country that those who are terrorizing them will be removed from society,” said President Ramaphosa.

At the launch President Ramaphosa called on all South Africans to report gender-based violence and to work with law-enforcement authorities.

“I call upon friends, family and the community: and anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of Precious’ killer to come forward,” said President Ramaphosa, adding that “all information will be treated confidentially and the SAPS crime hotline can be reached at 08600 10111.”

“Whoever committed this brutal act must know that there is no corner for you to hide. You will be found, you will be tried, and you will receive the highest penalty,” the President added.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their swift action that led to the arrest of a man suspected of involvement in the murder of 21 year old Limpopo student Precious Ramabulana.

“Earlier in the week I had requested Minister of Police to spare no effort to track down the perpetrator of this heinous crime – that we have now had an arrest is truly sterling police work,” President Ramaphosa said.

“We are keeping our promise to the women and girls of this country that our law-enforcement authorities will not hesitate to act against perpetrators of  gender-based violence. We are making sure that violent criminals are apprehended and not left to roam the streets with impunity where they can attack  again,” President added.

Ramabulana was attacked and killed in her student accommodation in Mokomene, Limpopo on Sunday.

“Since Precious’ death the women of the community have told us they feel unsafe and fearful; the arrest of the suspect will not only reassure them but bring a measure of comfort to her bereaved family,” said President Ramaphosa. 

President Ramaphosa will visit the Ramabula family in Makhado, Limpopo province, tomorrow, Sunday 1 December 2019, to pay his respects.

Under the National Emergency Action Plan to combat gender based violence and femicide approved by Parliament, President Ramaphosa announced that departments had been directed to reprioritise their budgets to allocate the necessary resources to programmes to combat gender-based violence.

This includes resourcing and capacitating the SAPS to enable it to investigate cases of GBV effectively.

At Monday’s launch of the annual 16 Days of Activism of No Violence against Women and Children President Ramaphosa also directed that additional capacity would be provided to police forensic teams to bolster investigations.

Forensic specialists formed part of the team that arrested the suspect in Botlokwa.

The President said: “I commend the SAPS for swiftly following up leads that led them to the suspect. I have the utmost confidence the same urgency will be applied to investigating all crimes of this nature around the country.”

“It is in the interests of justice that this investigation should now move ahead without unnecessary delay and when appropriate, to proceed to trial,” the President concluded.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria