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.
 

Your Excellency, President Tinubu,
Honourable Ministers,
High Commissioners, 
Senior Government Officials,

I wish to thank you, Your Excellency, for your warm and positive concluding remarks.

They reinforce the strong bonds of friendship and solidarity between our countries. 

The ministerial report we have received and deliberated on highlights the various priorities we should pursue as partners and allies. 

Our ministers and senior officials have done excellent work.

They have provided a platform to accelerate cooperation to the mutual benefit of our two countries and peoples. 

We agreed that the implementation of previous decisions is a key priority. 

We need to improve the monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to expedite the implementation of agreed programmes, projects and activities. 

Fundamentally, South Africa and Nigeria must further expand investment and trade. 

We must fully explore the respective strengths and capabilities of our two economies. 

We seek to expand cooperation in oil and gas, aviation, telecommunications and ICT, manufacturing, financial services, retail and hospitality, among others. 

We must explore project financing for the development of ports, road and rail networks, and logistics hubs.

There are opportunities for collaboration in renewable energy, including green hydrogen. 

As we pursue these opportunities, we need to continue to work as governments to improve the conditions for doing business in our respective jurisdictions. 

In our discussions, we identified the enhancement of people-to-people relations as a catalyst for investment, trade, tourism and celebration of our diverse heritages. 

I am pleased with the deliberations we have held on regional, continental and global issues of mutual concern. 

Our discussion in these areas illustrates the commitment of South Africa and Nigeria to pursue peace, stability and development. 

We both support the strengthening of the capacity of regional bodies and the African Union to deal with conflicts and wars, within the context of the African Peace and Security Architecture. 

We reaffirmed that dialogue, mediation and conflict resolution are fundamental pillars upon which countries should conduct relations. 
  
In conclusion, I wish to express appreciation to our Ministers for the very good report.

This will provide the basis for the Ministerial Review session in 2025 and the 12th session of the Bi-National Commission in 2026. 

I look forward to the implementation of all signed legal instruments. 

Once again, accept my sincere gratitude, Your Excellency President Tinubu, for honoring my invitation. 

I wish you and your delegation good health and a safe journey back home.

I thank you.

Your Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
Honourable Ministers, 
High Commissioner,
Distinguished delegates
Ladies and gentlemen,

I warmly welcome you and your esteemed delegation to our country. 

As we gather here on the occasion of the 11th Session of the Bi-National Commission between our countries, we reaffirm our close bonds of friendship, solidarity and cooperation.

We are two countries united in purpose and vision. 

We will remain forever grateful to Nigeria for its leading role in the international campaign to end apartheid in South Africa.

As we mark 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, we see a bright future for our relationship. 

Our strong bonds of friendship provide a firm foundation for more meaningful economic cooperation. 

Nigeria is host to a number of South African companies. 

South Africa has always been open for Nigerian business, reflected in a number of investments and operations established in this country. 

But there is much more we need to do.

We need to remove the remaining constraints to greater investment, just as we need to address some of the challenges that companies have experience.

We are encouraged by the actions being undertaken under your leadership to further strengthen and foster a business environment in Nigeria that offers assurances to investors, including from South Africa. 

Our Government continues with its efforts to improve the ease of doing business in South Africa.

We want to enable investors to operate, trade and pursue opportunities in various sectors. 

We look forward to seeing more Nigerian companies investing in South Africa. 

Our efforts to create a favourable environment include our simplified visa process for Nigerian business people to travel to South Africa. 

Qualifying Nigerian business people can be granted a five-year multiple entry visa. 

In addition, tourists from Nigeria are now able to apply for a visa without submitting a passport.

We expect that this 11th Session of the Bi-National Commission will enable us to consolidate cooperation in several key areas. 

We need to implement the many decisions that have already been made and to follow up on progress achieved. 

Nigeria is South Africa’s largest trading partner in West Africa.

However, there is much more opportunity for growth.

The African Continental Free Trade Area will allow our two countries to trade in a more seamless manner across a wide variety of products. Let us seize this moment. 

South Africa and Nigeria are important countries in our respective region and on the African continent more broadly. 

We are also important voices in the international arena. 

As responsible members of the community of nations, we ought to be concerned about the future of our global systems of governance. 

In an increasingly volatile environment, we are witnessing the erosion of the principles that underpin the peaceful conduct of relations among nations, respect for international law and the development of our societies. 

Multilateralism is under threat. 

The rise of impunity, unilateralism, conflict and war highlights the urgent need for the reform of the UN Security Council and other global institutions. 

The Global South needs to lead efforts to achieve an international system that is fair, inclusive and reflects current realities. 

We commend your work as chair of ECOWAS to promote dialogue, mediation and conflict resolution in the pursuit of peace. 

We applaud Nigeria’s unwavering support to regional and continental unity. 

Our regional body, the Southern African Development Community – SADC – has been working to address challenges in our neighborhood. 

We are seized with the situations in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the post-elections developments in Mozambique. 

There is agreement that these challenges will be resolved through peaceful means. 

We are witnessing progress in the consolidation of democracy on our continent. 

This year alone, 19 major elections would have taken place in African countries. 

It is important that regional and African Union instruments underpinning elections and governance are promoted and strengthened. 

South Africa has just assumed the Presidency of the G20. 

It will be the first time that the G20 Leaders’ Summit will be held on African soil.

We will place Africa’s development and the challenges facing countries of the Global South firmly on the G20 agenda.

We will seek to galvanise support for the AU’s Agenda 2063, as we pursue an inclusive global agenda. 

For South Africa, it is our view that in shaping global discourse, programs should be tailored to ensure that in our societies, no one is left behind. 

The challenges of inequality, poverty and unemployment also need to be addressed. 

Our premier continental organisation, the African Union, will be having a change of leadership in its Commission.

As we approach the elections of the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and Commissioners at our Summit early in the new year, we should emphasise the need for cohesion, unity and sense of purpose.

The Commission to rededicate itself to addressing the development needs of our peoples as reflected in our continental programmes. 

Once again, Mr President, we are pleased and honoured that you are here in our country to co-chair this session of the Bi-National Commission. 

We look forward to receiving the reports of the Ministers as our countries continue to strengthen cooperation. 

Our strong foundations of mutual respect, trust and collaboration must endure.

Together, we must work to position Africa as the continent of the future and to realise the vision of our forebears.

I thank you.