Co-Programme Directors;
Our host, Premier of North West, Mr Lazarus Mokgosi;
Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Ms Sindiswa Chikunga;
Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Steve Letsike;
Ministers and Deputy Ministers present;
Mayor of Rustenburg Local Municipality, Councillor Sheila Mabale-Huma;
Premiers and Speakers of Provincial Legislatures;
Executive Mayors and Councillors;
Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality;
Chairperson of SALGA;
Leaders of the Traditional Sector;
Leaders of Faith-Based Organisations;
Leaders of the Private Sector;
Leaders of Civil Society Organisations;
Leaders of Academic and Research Institutions;
Members of the Media;
Invited Guests;
Fellow South Africans;
Dumelang!!! Good morning!!!

I stand before you today as we mark the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, a campaign that calls upon each of us to take a stand against the injustices that continue to plague our society.

This period, from 25 November to 10 December, is a time for reflection, action, and solidarity. During this, we collectively raise our voices to draw attention to the persistent violence against women and children. However, a full year of action is required to combat gender-based violence and femicide, not just during these 16 days.

This year's theme, “30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence Against Women and Children,” serves as a reminder of the progress we have made and the work that still lies ahead.

For three decades, we have been united in a shared vision to create a world free from violence and discrimination. We have witnessed the power of collective action in raising awareness, supporting survivors, and advocating for policy changes that protect the most vulnerable among us.

CHALLENGES
As a society, we have been grappling with this issue for many years, and this fight is still not over. The country has some of the highest rates of gender-based violence, including rape, femicide, and domestic abuse.

Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) and the Human Science and Research Council (HSRC) have both reported concerning statistics on gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa.  StatsSA shows that one in three women aged 16 and older has experienced physical violence, while one in five has been sexually abused. 

The HSRC released the results of the first-ever national Gender-Based Violence survey conducted in 2022, revealing that over 33% of South African women have experienced physical violence in their lifetime, while 9.8% have faced sexual violence. Approximately 7.3 million women have experienced physical abuse, while 2.1 million have experienced sexual violations.

The prevalence of physical abuse was significantly higher among Black African women who were cohabiting or not married, as well as women aged between 18 and 24 years.

About 1 in 4 women have been victims of emotional abuse in their lifetime.

The survey indicated that most perpetrators are known to the victims. Intimate partners and family members were the most common perpetrators of violence. A high proportion of perpetrators were found to have a history of substance abuse, such as alcohol and drug use.

The results also show that economic abuse is rife, with 13% of women having experienced this violence in their lifetime and 15% of men reporting perpetrations. These are men who withhold earnings, prohibit women from working, throw women out of the house, and take women’s earnings.

The survey reported high levels of childhood physical abuse experiences among women and men. This is indicative of a generational cycle of abuse.

These data present a bleak picture of the scope of GBV in our society. This catastrophe impacts millions of South Africans while undermining the pillars of our democracy and economic prosperity.

This is not the South Africa we want!

The South African Medical Research Council femicide study has also provided significant insights into the alarming rates of femicide in South Africa. According to the study, an intimate partner or family member kills a woman in South Africa every three hours, making it one of the countries with the highest femicide rates in the world.

The evidence underscores the urgent need for continued efforts. Unless we are all hands-on deck, we will not realise our vision of no gender-based violence and femicide by 2030.

Compatriots,

Another issue that continues to tear our society apart is the number of child and teenage pregnancies which continues to increase, this is a crisis that cannot be ignored.

In South Africa, every year, thousands of our children fall pregnant. According to Statistics South Africa, last year's births to teenage girls aged 10 to 19 years represented 12% of all births. In numbers, it was 102,648.

These are not just numbers. They are young girls who should be in school, playing with their friends, dreaming about their futures, and building their hopes.

We must understand that child pregnancies do not happen in a vacuum. They are the result of deep-rooted socio-economic, cultural, and educational issues.

Many child pregnancies are the result of rape and sexual abuse.

This indicates a decline in moral standards within our society, and we must deal with such individuals by reporting them to the police, denying them bail, and placing them in jail. If we are to win this battle against GBV, we must act collectively and not shield those who commit these heinous crimes.

GOVERNMENT EFFORTS TO FIGHT GBV
Ladies and Gentlemen,

As a government, we are committed to taking the findings of these surveys seriously, and we will integrate them into our work. These findings will feed directly into the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP on GBVF), which provides the roadmap for our national response.

The government working with all will sectors to develop an action plan that can be implemented. We will collaborate towards a plan that prioritizes the needs of the most vulnerable and guarantees the inclusion of everyone in our joint endeavour to eradicate violence.

This is a national crisis that requires a national response. And I assure you, we are fully committed to taking these findings forward to build a safer, more just society for all.
As part of its continuous commitment to combating the scourge, the Cabinet has approved dealing with gender-based violence and femicide as if it were a pandemic. 

The foundation of this approach lies in a clear focus on three key areas:
1.    Strengthening institutional arrangements, which we are advancing by establishing a multi-sectoral National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NCGBVF) to coordinate and drive efforts across all sectors.
2.    Scaling up prevention efforts, including leveraging preferential procurement to help alleviate poverty, which is a key driver of violence, while creating sustainable economic opportunities for vulnerable communities.
3.    We are enhancing the use of evidence-based approaches, ensuring that solid data, research, and the lived experiences of victims and survivors inform all interventions and policies.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me also share with you some of the concrete actions we have taken over the past year to create a safer and more just society. 
·       We have passed laws that prioritise the safety of women and children, including the Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Offences Act.
·       The National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill was signed into law on May 24, 2024, establishing it as an urgent priority
·       We are piloting Online Applications for Protection Orders, making it easier for victims to access the legal protection they need. 
·       68 courts have been upgraded to meet the Minimum Standards for the National Strategy on Reasonable Accommodations to ensure that all court users, including those with disabilities, have access to justice.
·       We have completed the Gqeberha Forensic Laboratory and upgraded the Crime Administration System, enabling better management of crime data.
·       Strides have been made in clearing the historical DNA backlog, and prioritising cases to ensure timely and effective justice for victims and survivors.
·       We developed a category of crimes constituting gender-based violence, making it easier to identify and track cases in our legal system.
·       The Women Economic Assembly (WECONA), launched in October 2021, has unlocked opportunities for women across key sectors such as automotive, agriculture, mining, energy, manufacturing, and health.
·       The Presidential Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme has reached 6,684 women entrepreneurs across several provinces, helping them grow their businesses through preferential procurement opportunities.
·       We have supported 270 Civil Society Organisations across the country that provide direct services to victims and survivors, with a total of R89.7 million in funding through the Criminal Justice and Recovery Assets funds.
·       Approximately 96,980 victims have accessed psychosocial support through the GBV Command Centre.
·       We have established three Khuseleka centres and increased the number of designated health facilities to 57, ensuring victims have access to comprehensive support.

The number of Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) in South Africa has been increased to 65 through partnerships with civil society and the private sector. These centres offer comprehensive support to victims, including medical care, psychosocial services, and legal assistance. 

The mining sector is also working to improve response, care, and support services for victims and survivors, with a centre sponsored in Limpopo and here in the North West.

The multi-sectoral END GBVF 100-day challenge programme led by the World of Impact organisation is accelerating the implementation of the National Strategic Plan at the local level.

The programme is yielding results across all provinces. This year there is a dedicated focus on increasing the reporting of cases; increasing safe spaces for victims and survivors; decreasing school dropouts due to bullying; and reducing the maintenance backlog. We recognise the profound impact these challenges have on individuals and communities.

Compatriots, these are the tangible steps that show our commitment!

Using the whole-of-society approach, we will persistently assess the effectiveness of our interventions. We will focus on prevention and economic empowerment, recognising the importance of financial independence in breaking the cycle of violence.
We are committed to creating opportunities for women and children, ensuring they have access to quality education, employment, and resources that enable them to achieve financial independence.

We must work together, across all levels of society, to drive systemic change and build a safer, more equitable environment for all.

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

We must further collaborate to harness technology and innovation to combat gender-based violence and accelerate a gender-inclusive digital economy.

We must have zero tolerance toward gendered violence in online and digital spaces. The rise of the digital economy and the increasing use of technology in our daily lives have introduced new avenues for perpetrators to harm, exploit, and abuse women and children.

From cyberbullying and online harassment to the dangers posed by social media platforms, digital spaces can become breeding grounds for violence.

However, we can also harness the same technology as a tool for change, protection, and empowerment. From using mobile apps that provide immediate support to victims and survivors to artificial intelligence that can help us understand and curb the pandemic, the potential is vast!

Mobile apps, helplines, and emergency response systems provide a direct link to safety, offering quick access to shelters, medical care, and legal assistance.

In South Africa, initiatives such as the GBV Command Centre - a 24/7 digital and telephonic support service - have proven instrumental in helping victims and survivors.

We must leverage these advancements to enhance our prevention strategies, improve our response mechanisms, and ensure that no one is left behind. We should make the internet a place where everyone can feel safe and respected.

Moreover, accelerating a gender-inclusive digital economy is essential for empowering women and children. Access to technology and digital skills can open new economic opportunities, enabling financial independence and resilience.

As we embark on these 16 days of activism for no violence against women and children, let us harness the power of technology and innovation to drive systemic change. Let us not forget that technology can be a force for good. It has the potential to save lives, connect victims and survivors to support, and hold perpetrators accountable in ways that were previously unimaginable.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,

While progress has been made, the road to eliminating gender-based violence in South Africa is long and requires sustained commitment and action.

It is not enough for us to simply react to violence; we must prevent it. 
 
Meaningful change requires collective action from all sectors of society. 

We must instil in our children, our youth, and ourselves that respect, equality, and dignity for every individual, regardless of gender, is non-negotiable.

We must engage men and boys in this struggle because their participation is essential to ending gender-based violence and femicide.

We cannot build a society free from violence if we do not challenge the harmful attitudes, stereotypes, and toxic masculinity that perpetuate it.

These deep-seated beliefs are learned and passed down through generations, and it is only through collective action that we can begin to shift this culture.

We must fight GBV from its root causes.

We call on all men to take the pledge to end gender-based violence and femicide. In this regard, a pledge for South African Men to end GBVF offers practical ways for men to become allies.

This pledge signifies your recognition of gender-based violence and femicide as a human rights violation, acknowledging the devastating impact of violence on society. It commits you to challenge harmful norms and prevent violence. It is a declaration of your commitment to speak out against harmful behaviour, stand up for vulnerable individuals, and work toward fostering respect, equality, and safety for all people. 
Your pledge is a pledge to not remain silent!
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I urge all of us—government, traditional leaders, faith-based communities, civil society, business, development partners, communities, and individuals—to commit to this fight. Together, we can make South Africa a country where violence against women and children is nothing but a dark chapter in our past.

As we mark these 16 Days of Activism, let us renew our resolve and stand united in this fight for the sake of our mothers, daughters, sisters, and all women in our land. 
Our actions today will determine the future of our nation. 

A future where all women and children can walk freely in their communities without fear of violence.

We have the power to shape this future. But we must all take responsibility, and we must do so now!

As I conclude, allow me to take this moment together with you to remember and honour the lives of many of our children, sisters and mothers who have lost their lives to this scourge. It is in your honour that we continue to fight this fight. 

To all women who currently find themselves victims of Gender Based Violence, we want you to know that we are here for you, we love you, and we encourage you to speak out, and step out. As the government, we will do all it takes to protect you and ensure you have a prosperous future. 

Kealeboga, I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 12 December 2024, host His Excellency President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of the Republic of Angola on a State Visit at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. 

The Heads of State will use the occasion of the State Visit to solidify relations between the two countries who share deep historical ties.

President Ramaphosa and President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço will address a plenary session of a Business Forum on the afternoon of the State Visit on 12 December.

The forum will take place  under the theme, South Africa and Angola: Working Together to Forge a New Era of Cooperation and Partnerships to Increase Mutually Beneficial Trade and Investment. 

Media are invited to apply for media accreditation to cover the incoming State Visit by completing the attached accreditation form: SOUTH AFRICA - ANGOLA STATE VISIT MEDIA ACCREDITATION.xlsx.

The media accreditation application form for the State Visit can be sent to Hlobisile Nkosi at hlobisile@presidency.gov.za and copy Sydwell Mabasa at sydwell@presidency.gov.za

Media accreditation will close on Friday, 06 December 2024 at 12h00. 

For the Business Forum, accreditation can be sent to Tshilidzi Mugovhoro at TMugovhoro@thedtic.gov.za 

Strictly, no late applications will be considered.

State Visit Details

Date: Thursday, 12 December 2024
Time: 10h00 (media to arrive at 08h00)
Venue: The Union Buildings, Pretoria

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has assented to the National Road Traffic Amendment Bill which provides for a far-reaching, new dispensation in road safety including fitness of drivers and vehicles, the transportation of certain dangerous goods, the general speed limit and the integrity of the issuing of vehicle and driver’s licences.
 
The Bill gives effect to the National Road Safety Strategy, which has five pillars: road safety management; safer roads and mobility; safer vehicles; safer road users, and post-crash response.

The Bill amends the National Road Traffic Act of 1996 in a number of ways including by providing, among other measures, for the suspension and cancellation of the registration – outlined in the new legislation - of an examiner for driving licences or an examiner of vehicles.
 
It also provides for the registration and grading of training centres and driving licence testing centres, as well as the registration and inspection of various stakeholders in the manufacture, supply and fitment (as applicable) of number plates, weighbridge facilities and microdot.
 
The law introduces various new offences in relation to learner’s licences and provides for registration and grading of driving schools and their instructors.
 
The law disqualifies vehicle examiners who have or acquire a direct or indirect financial interest in the manufacturing, selling, rebuilding, repairing or modifying of motor vehicles.
 
Examiners will also be disqualified if they have or have acquired such financial interest through their spouse or partner.
 
Similarly, a traffic officer, reserve traffic warden, traffic warden or NaTIS (National Traffic Information System) officials are now disqualified if they have or acquired, or through their spouse or partner, have acquired a direct or indirect financial interest in a road transport services business.
 
Examiners for driving licences or vehicles, traffic officers and licence inspectors may be suspended or have their registration cancelled if they have been convicted of various offences in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act.
 
These sanctions apply also to examiners, officers and inspectors who have or a direct or indirect financial interest in a variety of businesses including a driving school, road transport services business or the manufacturing of motor vehicles.
 
The law also calls for the registration of persons who build or modify vehicle bodies on chassis and chassis-cabs, or import new buses or midibuses.
 
The legislation includes fraud as a listed offence for anyone who assists a driving licence applicant in committing an offence.
 
The Bill signed by the President obliges emergency services to immediately respond to a road incident and render all necessary services as prescribed.
 
“Emergency services” are defined as including emergency medical services provided by an organ of state or private body for private use, as well as emergency medical services provided by the Department responsible for health services.
 
The law also stipulates that the driver of an emergency vehicle who drives such a vehicle in the course of their duties, or a person driving a vehicle while responding to a disaster in terms of the Disaster Management Act may not exceed a speed of 20km/h through an intersection.
 
 
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has assented to the Rail Safety Bill which provides for the regulation of railway safety in the country and recognises that safe railway operations are fundamental to the safety of all persons and the environment.

The new law provides for the regulation of railway safety and for the continued existence of the Railway Safety Regulator.

The law introduces railway safety permits as well as a national railway safety information and monitoring system.

The law recognises that safe railway operations promote the use of rail as an efficient mode of transportation and that the effective provision of railway safety demands uniform policy, norms and standards.

The Bill assented to by the President seeks to repeal the National Railway Safety Regulator Act of 2002 which was last amended in 2009, notwithstanding major developments such as a massive rolling stock investment programme and the introduction of the first standard gauge railway system in the country.

The legislation also promotes the harmonisation of South Africa’s railway safety regime with the objectives and requirements for safe railway operations of the Southern African Development Community.

This is a significant prerequisite for greater regional integration.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has assented to the Deeds Registries Amendment Bill, which seeks to enhance deeds registration processes and procedures and will create uniformity in the deeds registry practice and procedures.
 
The new law, which amends the Deeds Registries Act of 1937, seeks to address challenges experienced by the deeds registries and conveyancers in respect of registration processes and procedures.
 
As part of building the capability of the state, the law now provides for the appointment of a Registrar, Deputy Registrar and Assistant Registrar of Deeds in terms of the Public Service Act and regulates the qualification requirements for these positions.
 
The legislation also provides for modernisation of the deeds system and records in the form of directing that the Chief Registrar of Deeds must, subject to the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, develop, establish and maintain the electronic deeds registration and recordal system.
 
This must be done through the use of information and communications technologies for the preparation, lodgment, registration, recordal, execution and storing of deeds and documents, with the necessary security and privacy safeguards.
 
The law also provides that an attorney, conveyancer and notary in the employ of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development may perform the duties of an attorney, conveyancer and notary in respect of transactions relating to State land.
 
The law introduces a penalty provision in respect of the unauthorised preparation, execution and attestation of deeds and documents;
 
These measures aim to speed up the registration and transfers of deeds and combat fraud, duplication and other challenges. The new measures will also enhance understanding of land and property ownership in the country.
 
 
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will, at the invitation of His Excellency, Mr Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, undertake a State Visit to Algeria from 05 to 07 December 2024.

The two Heads of State will co-chair the 7th Session of the South Africa-Algeria Binational Commission (BNC).

President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead a delegation comprising Ministers, senior officials and business leaders.

South Africa and Algeria enjoy strong political, economic, and social relations following the establishment of diplomatic relations in May 1994.

 These relations are conducted through the Binational Commission as a structured mechanism that provides for political, economic, social, cultural, scientific, and technical cooperation.

The BNC will review progress in the implementation of the decisions taken during the 6th Session in 2015.

The State Visit is an opportunity for the leaders to exchange views on regional, continental, and global issues of mutual concern and to reinforce the importance of accelerating efforts towards the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

Additionally, the 7th Session of South Africa-Algeria BNC will also be a platform to sign Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Agreements.

South African and Algerian business leaders will participate in the South Africa-Algeria Business Forum where companies and entrepreneurs will be able to explore possibilities in trade and investment and the exchange of technologies.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will tomorrow, Thursday, 05 December 2024, respond to questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). The responses will cover a range of national and international issues of public importance, including plans to address the growing intergovernmental debt that negatively impacts the provision of service delivery to communities.

Amongst others, the Deputy President is expected to provide progress on Government’s efforts to empower spaza shops and informal traders to enable them to handle incidents of food poisoning and advise on monitoring mechanisms to prevent the emergence of unscrupulous traders who are producing and supplying dangerous food products through spaza shops.

Furthermore, the Deputy President will inform Members on Government’s programmes aimed at attracting the private sector to investment in critical sectors such as energy and infrastructure.

The Deputy President will also brief Members on South Africa’s participation in the Southern African Development Community and the African Union, which has been pivotal in promoting credible democratic governance, peace, and stability in the region.

In outlining how Government intends on fighting unemployment, poverty and underdevelopment through foreign direct investment, the Deputy President will provide an update on the strengthening of foreign missions to ensure that investments are not centralised but spread throughout the nine provinces.

Details of the session are as follows:
Date: Thursday, 05 December 2024
Time: 14h00
Venue: NCOP Chambers, Cape Town

Livestreaming and broadcast: Parliamentary Channel 408 on DSTV.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

The Presidency wishes to clarify a misunderstanding that appears to have arisen from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s opening remarks at the SA-Nigeria Bi-National Commission yesterday (03 December 2024) about the simplified visa process for Nigerian nationals.

As part of the work underway to modernise and streamline visa application processes worldwide, South African missions in Nigeria have improved the efficiency and convenience of applying for a visa. This is part of the visa reforms initiated by the South African Government to enable economic activities and boost tourism while protecting our national security. The modernisation of the visa application process does not compromise the integrity of the visa system. 

Prospective travellers can apply for their visas without submitting their passports along with their applications – at the time of application, they are only required to submit certified copies of the biopage of their passports, and their actual passports should also be availed during the application process for verification and confirmation. 

Once a visa has been approved, they are required to submit their passports for the process to be completed and for the visa to be affixed in the passport.

These changes have improved the customer experience while ensuring the security and integrity of the overall visa application process. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (“Constitution”) vests executive authority of the Republic in the President. The President exercises executive authority together with other members of cabinet in fulfilling various provisions of the Constitution and national legislation.   

In order to ensure the effectiveness of cabinet in delivering to its mandate and in accordance with section 91(2) of the Constitution, I have decided to make the following changes to the national executive; 
1. Ms Mmamoloko Tryphosa Kubayi, currently the Minister of Human Settlements is appointed the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development. 

2. Ms Thembi Simelane, currently the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development is appointed the Minister of Human Settlements. 

Furthermore, in accordance with the section 93(1) (a) of the Constitution,

3. Ms Phumzile Mgcina, is appointed the Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. Ms Mgcina has been serving in the national executive as the Deputy Minister of Labour and Employment. 

4. Ms Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala is appointed the Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour. Ms Nemadzinga-Tshabalala has been serving in the national executive as the Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. 

The changes to the national executive are effective immediately. I would like to wish these members of the national executive well in their new positions. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

His Excellency, the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa, Mr Parks Tau,
Minister of Trade and Industry of Nigeria, Dr Jumoke Oduwole,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
High Commissioners,
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Leaders of business, 
Distinguished guests, 
 
It gives me great pleasure to address this South Africa-Nigeria Business Roundtable.
 
We see the purpose of this roundtable as three-fold: 
 
firstly, to deepen economic cooperation; 
 
secondly, to provide a platform to address challenges; and,
 
thirdly, to explore strategies for unlocking the full potential of trade and investment between the two countries.
 
Nigeria and South Africa enjoy strong diplomatic ties and expanding trade and investment flows. 
 
The strategic positioning of both countries in their respective regions presents enormous opportunities for collaboration. 
 
In West Africa, Nigeria is the main destination for South African exports and investments. 
 
But more needs to be done to improve trade and commercial relations between the two countries. 
 
South Africa runs a large trade deficit with Nigeria, mainly due to its import of Nigerian oil and gas. 
 
There is a need to diversify our trade to ensure a mutually-beneficial partnership.
 
We are greatly encouraged by the presence of South African companies in Nigeria, just as we welcome Nigerian companies in South Africa. 
 
We do recognise that challenges still exist within our respective operating environments that limit the expansion of investment and sometimes impact on the operations of companies.
 
During my State Visit to Nigeria in 2021, the Ministers of Trade launched the Joint Ministerial Advisory Council on Industry, Trade and Investment.
 
Today, we agreed on the full operationalisation of the Council.
 
This will support a conducive environment for improved trade and investment.
 
Through the Council, we hope to ensure the efficient resolution of trade- and investment-related challenges.

As governments, we have committed in our Bi-National Commission to create an enabling environment for doing business in our respective countries. 
 
We have an opportunity to drive industrialisation.
 
In the automotive sector, for example, we can create value chains in the manufacture of components and electric motorcycles. 
 
In critical minerals, we can use lithium to manufacture electric batteries.
 
There is also much opportunity for cooperation on pharmaceuticals. 
 
Our two countries are in a strategic position to benefit from the rapid growth of clean energy manufacturing industries.
 
South Africa has developed a Just Transition Framework and an Investment Plan that anticipates massive investments in renewable energy and the green economy over the next few years. 
 
As part of the broader global transition to a low-carbon economy, we must leverage the abundant natural resources that exist in our countries to promote green industrialisation. 
 
We should leverage each other’s capabilities in minerals processing. 
 
We must work together to ensure critical minerals are beneficiated at source. 
 
We call on business to support and involve themselves in these initiatives. 
 
Our development finance institutions can work together to support infrastructure development.
 
South Africa has embarked on a massive infrastructure investment drive that encompasses projects in electricity generation and transmission, bulk water supply, roads, railways, bridges and ports.
 
We need to explore how we can mobilise our respective capabilities and resources to develop social and economic infrastructure in our countries.
 
The African Continental Free Trade Area, once fully implemented, will enable a massive growth in intra-African trade and investment. 
 
We must identify what products can be traded among ourselves that we are now importing from elsewhere.
 
Given the size of a common African market, we can build substantial industries – and integrated regional value chains – merely on the basis of what we sell to each other.
 
Many economies are reconfiguring their supply chains, but they are also reconfiguring their supply chains as well.
 
They are bringing them closer to home to promote economic resilience and address strategic vulnerabilities. 
 
We need to do the same. 
 
We encourage the private sector to identify opportunities for sourcing key inputs and products from each other to boost bilateral trade and industrial development.
 
Let me conclude by congratulating Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her reappointment as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation. 
 
This provides continuity as we prepare for the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference, to be held in March 2026 in Cameroon. 
 
South Africa and Nigeria need to work closely to shape a strong developmental agenda that ensures better terms for integration of Africa in global trade.
 
South Africa and Nigeria seek the same things.
 
We seek a global economic order that is fair, inclusive and rules-based.
 
We seek to develop our people by expanding investment and trade ties with partner countries.
 
We see in the relationship between South Africa and Nigeria enormous opportunities to pursue these objectives together.
 
We invite businesses, state-owned companies, development finance institutions and others to be part of this exciting journey to build a prosperous Africa that meets the needs of all its people.
 
I thank you.