Fellow South Africans,

Just over a month ago, on the 29th of May, the people of South Africa voted in a watershed election. 

In casting their votes, the people made it clear that they expect political parties to work together to deliver on a mandate of transformation, growth and renewal.

To give effect to this mandate, it was agreed that a Government of National Unity, which brings together parties from across the political spectrum, should be formed.

This Government of National Unity would be bound by certain fundamental principles and would undertake a basic minimum programme of priorities. 

Following discussions over the course of the last few weeks, a total of eleven parties have elected to work together in government and in Parliament. 

These are the African National Congress, Democratic Alliance, Patriotic Alliance, Inkatha Freedom Party, Good Party, Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, Freedom Front Plus, United Democratic Movement, Al Jama-ah, Rise Mzansi and the United Africans Transformation.

The partnership between the GNU parties is guided by a Statement of Intent, which outlines fundamental principles and a minimum programme of priorities. 

All the parties have made a commitment to respect the constitution and to promote a accountable and transparent governance, evidence-based policy and decision-making, the professionalisation of the public service, integrity and good governance. 

The incoming government will prioritise rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth and the creation of a more just society by tackling poverty and inequality. 

The establishment of the Government of National Unity in its current form is unprecedented in the history of our democracy.

We have had to consider how to form the new government in a manner that advances the national interest, that gives due consideration to the outcome of the election and that makes use of the respective capabilities within each of the parties.

We have had to consider not only the immediate needs of the country. 

We have also had to consider the stability, effectiveness and durability of the government we are establishing.

It is true that some South Africans have expressed concern about the length of time it has taken to form a government.

As the discussions have unfolded, they have been worried about the effect of a protracted process on confidence and stability.

At the same time, many people have pointed to the experiences of other countries that have a far longer history of democracy, where the formation of multi-party governments have sometimes taken several months.

As a relatively young democracy, we should be proud that we have moved to establish a government comprised of eleven parties within such a short space of time.

Through our discussions we have been able to build consensus on the tasks of government. 

We have shown that there are no problems that are too difficult or too intractable that they cannot be solved through dialogue.

This evening, I am pleased to announce the members of the National Executive who will bear collective responsibility to give effect to the will of the electorate.

In forming the National Executive, we have had to consider several factors and advance a number of key principles.

We have had to ensure that the incoming government will be effective, and that it will have people with the experience, skills and capabilities to deliver on its mandate.

It is important that we deploy into positions of responsibility people who are committed, capable and hard-working, and who have integrity.

We have had to ensure that all the parties are able to participate meaningfully in the National Executive and that the diversity of the views of South Africans is properly reflected.

We have sought to ensure that the National Executive is representative of the people of South Africa, giving due consideration to gender, youth, demographics and regional distribution.

We want South Africans to see themselves reflected not only in the composition of government, but also in its policies and programmes.

Given the challenges that the country faces today and considering the electoral mandate this government must implement, I have decided to make certain changes to the national government portfolios.

In the course of the sixth democratic administration, we indicated our intention to reduce the number of portfolios in the National Executive. However, due to the need to ensure that the National Executive is inclusive of all the parties to the Government of National Unity, this has not been possible.

In some instances, we have considered it necessary to separate certain portfolios to ensure that there is sufficient focus on key issues.

The ministries of Electricity and Energy will be merged.

There will be a separate ministry of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.

The ministry of Agriculture will be separated from the ministry of Land Reform and Rural Development.

The ministry of Higher Education will be separated from the ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development will be separated from the ministry of Correctional Services.

There will no longer be a Ministry of Public Enterprises. The coordination of the relevant public enterprises will be located in the Presidency during the process of implementing a new shareholder model.

I have decided to make the following appointments to the National Executive:

The Deputy President is Paul Mashatile.

The Minister of Agriculture is John Steenhuisen.

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture is Rosemary Nokuzola Capa.

The Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development is Mzwanele Nyhontso.

The Deputy Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development is Chupu Stanley Mathabatha.

The Minister of Basic Education is Siviwe Gwarube.

The Deputy Minister of Basic Education is Reginah Mhaule.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies is Solly Malatsi.

The Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies is Mondli Gungubele.

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is Velinkosi Hlabisa.

The Deputy Ministers of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs are Dickson Masemola and Zolile Burns‐Ncamashe.

The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans is Angie Motshekga.

The Deputy Ministers of Defence and Military Veterans are Bantu Holomisa and Richard Mkhungo.

The Minister of Electricity and Energy is Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.

The Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy is Samantha Graham.

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation is Blade Nzimande.

The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation is Nomalungelo Gina.

The Minister of Employment and Labour is Nomakhosazana Meth.

The Deputy Ministers of Employment and Labour are Jomo Sibiya and Phumzile Mgcina.

The Minister of Finance is Enoch Godongwana.

The Deputy Ministers of Finance are David Masondo and Ashor Sarupen.

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is Dion George.

The Deputy Ministers of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment are Narend Singh and Bernice Swarts.

The Minister of Health is Aaron Motsoaledi.

The Deputy Minister of Health is Joe Phaahla.

The Minister of Higher Education is Nobuhle Nkabane.

The Deputy Ministers of Higher Education are Buti Manamela and Mimmy Gondwe.

The Minister of Home Affairs is Leon Schreiber.

The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs is Njabulo Nzuza.

The Minister of Human Settlements is Mmamoloko Kubayi.

The Deputy Minister of Human Settlements is Tandi Mahambehlala.

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation is Ronald Lamola.

The Deputy Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation are Alvin Botes and Tandi Moraka.

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development is Thembi Nkadimeng.

The Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development is Andries Nel.

The Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is Gwede Mantashe.

The Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is Judith Nemadzinga‐Tshabalala.

The Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation is Maropene Ramokgopa.

The Deputy Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation is Seiso Mohai.

The Minister of Police is Senzo Mchunu.

The Deputy Ministers of Police are Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale.

The Minister in the Presidency is Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

The Deputy Ministers in the Presidency are Nonceba Mhlauli and Kenneth Morolong.

The Minister of Public Service and Administration is Mzamo Buthelezi.

The Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration is Pinky Kekana.

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure is Dean Macpherson.

The Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure is Sihle Zikalala.

The Minister of Small Business Development is Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams.

The Deputy Minister of Small Business Development is Jane Sithole.

The Minister of Social Development is Sisisi Tolashe.

The Deputy Minister of Social Development is Ganief Hendricks.

The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture is Gayton McKenzie.

The Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture is Peace Mabe.

The Minister of Tourism is Patricia De Lille.

The Deputy Minister of Tourism is Maggie Sotyu.

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition is Parks Tau.

The Deputy Ministers of Trade, Industry and Competition are Zuko Godlimpi and Andrew Whitfield.

The Minister of Transport is Barbara Creecy.

The Deputy Minister of Transport is Mkhuleko Hlengwa.

The Minister of Water and Sanitation is Pemmy Majodina.

The Deputy Ministers of Water and Sanitation are David Mahlobo and Isaac Seitlholo.

The Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is Sindisiwe Chikunga.

The Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is Mmapaseka Steve Letsike.

The Minister of Correctional Services is Pieter Groenewald.

The Deputy Minister of Correctional Services is Lindiwe Ntshalintshali.

These men and women we have appointed to the executive are drawn from all corners of our country. 

They reflect the diversity of our nation.

They have a responsibility to work together to serve the people as a whole.

None of the members of the National Executive has been appointed to serve the interests of a particular constituency, a particular party or a particular section of society.

Collectively and individually, they are responsible to the people of South Africa.
In the spirit of partnership and collaboration, the incoming government will work together with other formations to convene a National Dialogue.

Through this National Dialogue, all parties, civil society groups, labour, business and other stakeholders will be invited to work together to address the critical challenges facing the nation. 

We call on all South Africans to participate in the National Dialogue and to give their support to this Government of National Unity as it begins its work.

As the leaders of political parties, as Ministers and Deputy Ministers, as public representatives, we understand and accept the responsibility that we bear.

We have all been called upon to serve the people of this country, and we will do so to the utmost of our ability.

I thank you.
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will announce a new National Executive this evening, 30 June 2024. 

The announcement – which will be in the form of a televised address to the nation – follows the inauguration of President Ramaphosa on Wednesday, 19 June 2024, which in turn followed the President’s election by the National Assembly on Friday, 14 June.

The new National Executive will constitute the 7th Democratic Administration as a Government of National Unity comprising a diversity of political parties as an outcome of the national and provincial elections held on Wednesday, 29 May 2024.

The SABC will provide a content feed to all media and PresidencyZA will also live stream the proceedings.
 
The announcement will take place at 21h00.
 
 
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa commends the Proteas on reaching the ICC Men’s T20 Final and says the national team’s defeat by India nevertheless showcased resilience and the spirit of national pride.

President Ramaphosa said: “Well done to the Proteas for an outstanding performance during the tournament to reach the Final.

“The nation shares your pain in your fall at the last hurdle, but we thank you for hoisting our flag high on the global stage, playing against India.

“You have shown resilience and the true spirit that reflects our nation's pride.

“We also offer congratulations to Rohit Sharma and the Board of Control for Cricket in India on their unbeaten run on the way to a well-deserved championship.”

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called a Joint Sitting of the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) for the Opening of Parliament and the President’s delivery of the Opening of Parliament Address.
 
The President has called for the Opening of Parliament to take place on Thursday 18 July 2024, as a platform for the President to outline the priorities of the 7th Administration.
 
The President has asked that Parliament convene in terms of Section 84(2)(d) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, read with Rule (13)(1)(a) of the Joint Rules of Parliament.
 
The Opening of Parliament Address will coincide with the United Nations-declared Nelson Mandela International Day.
 
This day, which marks the birthday of the Founding President of a democratic South Africa, is a global celebration and day of personal and collective actions for good that honour the leader’s life and legacy.
 
The Opening of Parliament on this day is a fitting tribute as it calls on individuals and communities to take time to reflect on Mandela's values and principles and to make a positive impact on communities and globally.
 
 
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President- media@presidency.gov.za
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Parliament

The Presidency and National Treasury, in collaboration with the Southern Africa Towards Inclusive Economic Development (SA-TIED) programme, hosted a successful two-day conference on Operation Vulindlela (OV) from 25 to 26 June. The conference, held under the theme: "Building Momentum of Reform: Towards the Next Phase of Operation Vulindlela," was aimed at taking stock on progress made in the implementation of structural reforms over the past few years and charting the way forward for the next five years.

The conference was attended by senior government officials, as well as key representatives from the private sector, business, academia, and civil society. Speakers and panelists from different industries commended the work done by OV since inception. OV is a delivery unit established in 2020 between the Presidency and National Treasury to assist departments as implementing agents to accelerate the implementation of structural reforms to grow the economy.

The conference took attendees through the progress and challenges experienced by OV in accelerating economic reform. Some of the progress made by departments includes: opening up the energy sector to the private sector and restructuring Eskom; auctioning spectrum to lower data costs and increase access; amendments to the visa regime to make it easier for skilled workers and tourists to enter South Africa; shortening the time it takes to issue water use licenses from 300 to 90 days; and opening up the logistics sector to more participants.

Presidency Project Management Office Head, Rudi Dicks, said OV as an initiative would not have been successful in the absence of political will. “President Ramaphosa played an active and interventionist role. He has been at the forefront of supporting the reforms.” Dicks also added that structural reforms should remain one of the main focus areas to grow the economy for the 7th administration.

There were also case studies of reforms in the energy sector; telecommunications sector; water use licenses; as well as opening access to the rail network, among others.

In closing, National Treasury acting Director-General, Mmakgoshi Lekhethe, said that OV reforms and policy consistency should be succinctly communicated to reassure stakeholders such as investors and rating agencies. “Investors vote with their money, so policy consistency must be ensured.”

Water and Sanitation Director-General, Dr Sean Phillips, said that a delivery unit such as OV should not have too many focus areas. “The more issues you focus on, the less likely you are to achieve success in any of them. The key challenge for OV for Phase II is to prioritise and identify a key set of areas to address.”

Delegates concluded the conference with a commitment to support the reform agenda and foster an economy that not only creates jobs, but also promotes economic inclusivity which is crucial for meeting the 2030 National Development Plan targets.

Media enquiries: email Media@treasury.gov.za

Jointly issued by: National Treasury, SA-TIED and The Presidency
 

As Commander-in-Chief of the South African National Defence Force, President Cyril Ramaphosa is deeply saddened by the death of two soldiers and injuries sustained by 20 others in a mortar attack on their base in Sake in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the families of the fallen troops as well as their commanders and colleagues.

The President’s thoughts are also with the SANDF members who are recovering from their injuries.

The President assures the bereaved families and the injured troops that the South African National Defence Force will take the utmost care to provide the necessary logistical and psychosocial support to all those affected.

“As we mourn the deaths and casualties inflicted on our soldiers, we value and are humbled by the sacrifices they have made for the cause of peace and stability in our region, and they shall not be forgotten,” said President Ramaphosa.

South African forces are part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) which was deployed on 15 December 2023 to support the Government of the DRC to restore peace and security in the eastern DRC.

This was in response to an increase in conflicts and instability caused by the resurgence of armed groups.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Your Majesties, Kings and Queens,
Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government,
Former President Thabo Mbeki and Mrs Mbeki,
Former President Kgalema Motlanthe and Mrs Motlanthe,
All former Heads of State and Government,
Distinguished representatives of respective countries and of international organisations,
Speaker of the National Assembly,
Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces,
The Chief Justice of the Republic,
Premiers, MECs and Mayors,
Members of Parliament,
Leaders of political parties,
Religious and traditional leaders,
Ambassadors and High Commissioners,
Veterans of our struggle,
Distinguished Guests, 

Fellow South Africans, 

Today, we gather under this vast Highveld sky at the seat of our government, the Union Buildings, to witness before all South Africans and our honoured guests from various countries on our beloved continent and from far afield a fundamental rite of our democracy.

In our brilliant diversity, we gather to affirm our solemn conviction that this country belongs to all who live in it, as articulated in the Freedom Charter almost seventy years ago.

We gather here, as people born of the same soil across our nine provinces that make up a unitary South Africa, determined that by our deeds we shall heal the divisions of our past, and overcome the ongoing inequalities and hardships of the present.

We declare for all to know that neither discord nor dissent shall cause us to cast aside that which calls us to build a united, free, just, equal and prosperous nation.

On this day, we assert by solemn oath the will of the people of this land.

We affirm our unwavering fidelity to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which is based on the enduring vision and values of the Freedom Charter.

As the leadership of this diverse nation, we have a sacred duty to unite the people of South Africa. 

We affirm that history has placed on our shoulders the responsibility to transform our country into a non-racial and non-sexist society. 

We affirm our determination to build a more equal and caring society. 

We affirm our resolute quest to build a growing and inclusive economy that offers opportunities and livelihoods to all people. 

We rededicate ourselves to the task of democratic renewal and social and economic transformation so that no one is left behind.

And so, as we enter another era in the life of our nation, the resilience of our democracy has once more been tested and the people have spoken loudly that they choose peace and democracy over violent, undemocratic and unconstitutional methods. 

In their multitude, in voices that are many and diverse, the people of South Africa have voted and made known their wishes, their concerns and their expectations. 

We accept and respect the results of the elections and we once again say the people have spoken. Their will shall be done without any doubt or question. 

The voters of South Africa did not give any single party the full mandate to govern our country alone. 

They have directed us to work together to address their plight and realise their aspirations. 

They have expressed their appreciation of the progress in many areas of their lives over the past 30 years of democracy. 

They have also been unequivocal in expressing their disappointment and disapproval of our performance in some of the areas in which we have failed them.

They want a transformed, growing and inclusive economy that creates jobs for millions of job seekers and offer business opportunities to all entrepreneurs in our nation – women and men, young and old.

The people have been clear about what they want.

They want a South Africa in which all may find shelter in our democratic Constitution and may find protection in our courts.

They have described a country in which all may rise above the circumstances of their birth, nurtured by loving families, aided by a caring state and empowered by initiative, will and hard work.

Through their votes they have made clear that they want the basic necessities of a life that is comfortable, happy, healthy and secure.

Through their votes they asserted that they want enough food to eat. Water that is clean. Affordable electricity that is available at all times. 

They want decent homes that keep out the wind, the rain and the cold. 

They want well-maintained roads and street lights that work.

The people of South Africa have asked no more than to be properly cared for when they are sick, they want the young to be taught well, for the elderly to be cared for, and for those without work to work.

The people of South Africa have spoken about the land they want to farm, about the businesses they want to run, about the things and products they want to make, about the skills they want to learn.

They have spoken of their desire to be safe in their homes, on the street, in their cities, in their villages and on their farms.

The people have demanded an end to the theft of public funds and the capture of the state.

Above all, the people of South Africa have stressed that they are impatient with political bickering and the endless blame game among politicians and political parties. 

They want us to put their needs and aspirations first and they want us to work together for the sake of our country. 

Today I stand before you as your humble servant to say we have heard you. 

As the President of the Republic, I will work with everyone to reach out and work with every political party and sector that is willing to contribute to finding solutions to the challenges our country faces as we transition to a new decade of freedom.

Thirty years have passed since we turned our back on racial tyranny and embraced an open and democratic society.

We have made great strides in building a new society that is founded on strong democratic institutions and universal freedoms.

We have built a transformed public service, an independent judiciary, a competitive electoral system, a sophisticated economy, a vibrant and free media, and a robust civil society.

And yet despite this progress, our society remains deeply unequal and highly polarised. There are toxic cleavages and an incipient social fragmentation that can easily turn into instability. 

The lines drawn by our history, between black and white, between man and woman, between suburbs and townships, between urban and rural, between the wealthy and the poor, remain etched in our landscape.

In places, these lines may have faded, but they have not disappeared.

We are citizens of one country and yet we occupy different worlds, separated by high walls and great distances.

We are divided between those who have jobs and those who do not work; between those who have the means to build and enjoy a comfortable life and those who do not.

And so today is no ordinary day.

It is a moment of fundamental consequence in the life of our nation. 

It is a moment when we must choose to either move forward together or risk losing all we have built.

In this moment we must choose to move forward;
 
to close the distances between South Africans and to build a more equal society; 

to translate the promise of our Constitution and the vision of the Freedom Charter into a reality for all.

This moment requires extraordinary courage and leadership.

It requires a common mission to safeguard national unity, peace, stability, inclusive economic growth, non-racialism and non-sexism.

Through the ballots that they have cast, the people of South Africa have made plain their expectation that the leaders of our country should work together.

They have directed their representatives to put aside animosity and dissent, to abandon narrow interests, and to pursue together only that which benefits the nation.

As leaders, as political parties, we are called upon to work in partnership towards a growing economy, better jobs, safer communities and a government that works for its people.

From across the political spectrum, parties have answered that call.

Understanding that no party can govern alone and make laws alone, these parties have agreed to work in partnership, to employ their talents for the good of the country and the progress of its people.

Together, they have resolved to establish a government of national unity to pursue a common programme of fundamental and lasting change.

The formation of a government of national unity is a moment of profound significance. It is the beginning of a new era.

As the leaders of this country came together in a government of national unity 30 years ago to forge a common future and build a united nation, the parties in the government of national unity of today have agreed to work together to address the most pressing challenges before our nation.

The parties have adopted a Statement of Intent, in which they have committed to pursue rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth;

to create a more just society by tackling poverty;

to safeguard the rights of workers;

to stabilise government and to build state capacity.

The parties have made a commitment to invest in South Africa’s people through quality education and health care;

to address crime and corruption;

to strengthen social cohesion and build a united nation; and,

to pursue a foreign policy based on human rights, solidarity and peace.

As South Africans, we must each do what we can to achieve this mission.

We will invite all parties, civil society, labour, business and other formations to a National Dialogue on the critical challenges facing the nation. 

We will seek, as we have done at so many important moments in our history, to forge a social compact to realise the aspirations of our National Development Plan. 

As individuals, as families, as communities and in our many formations, let us draw on our every strength to turn our dream for a better South African into reality.

Even as we are united in our diversity, we are a people of deep and abiding faith. 

We pray for our nation, for our spirits to be lifted, and for our fortunes to be restored.

We owe this noble mission our courage.

We must be brave and we must be bold.

This is a new tide that heralds progress, transformation and deep, fundamental change.

We look to this rising tide with optimism and hope. 

We must reject every attempt to divide or distract us, to sow doubt or cynicism, or to turn us against one another.

Those who seek to stand in our way, those who seek to inflame tensions, will not succeed, because South Africans are resolute.

Those who seek to undermine our institutions will fail, because democracy lives in the hearts of our people and never be dislodged.

Nothing will distract us from serving the people and advancing their interests.

Now is the time to move forward. Together, we will do more and better.

Now is the time to assemble all our capabilities and to direct all our energies to answer the call of the people of South Africa.

We dare not linger, we dare not rest, until we have created jobs for those who need them;

until there is enough food on every table;

until every person in every town, city, village and farm receives the basic services they need for a decent life.

We dare not rest until the women of South Africa are free from the social, cultural and economic constraints that hold back their progress.

We cannot rest until criminals are off our streets and the drugs are out of our communities;

until men no longer perpetrate violence against women and children;

until those who steal from the people are held to account.

We dare not rest while our communities are ravaged by flood, fire and drought.

Together, we will confront the threat of a rapidly warming planet.

We will accept our responsibility to respond to climate change in a manner that is ambitious, just and inclusive.

We do this for the sake of this generation and all those that will follow.

We will build a government that is capable and honest.

Together, we will work to promote multilateralism for a fairer, more equal, more just and more compassionate world, founded on solidarity and universal human rights.

We will join hands with our brothers and sisters across our beloved continent Africa to find peace, to achieve stability, to advance development.

Through the African Continental Free Trade Area, through the construction of roads, and rail lines, factories and power stations, Africa will embark on a new age of production and commerce.

Today, I make a solemn commitment to be a President for all South Africans;

to defend our Constitution and protect our democracy;

to work with all those who share the dream of a better life for all;

to care for the poor and the vulnerable, and to support all those who are in need;

and to make our country stronger, more resilient, more equal and united.

This is the dream that the poet Sandile Dikeni describes in his work ‘Love Poem for my Country’:

My country is for health and wealth
See the blue of the sea
And beneath the jewels of fish
Deep under the bowels of soil
Hear the golden voice of a miner’s praise for my country

My country is for unity
Feel the millions
See their passion
Their hands are joined together
And there is hope in their eyes

On this day, our hands are joined together. We are united. We are full of hope.

May God bless South Africa and protect its people.

Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika.
Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso. 
God seën Suid-Afrika. 
Mudzimu fhatutshedza Afurika.
Hosi katekisa Afrika.

I thank you.
 

In the presence of everyone assembled here, and in full realisation of the high calling I assume as President of the Republic of South Africa, I,

MATAMELA CYRIL RAMAPHOSA,

swear that I will be faithful to the Republic of South Africa, and will obey, observe, uphold and maintain the Constitution and all other law of the Republic;
and I solemnly and sincerely promise that I will always-
• promote all that will advance the Republic, and oppose all that may harm it;
• protect and promote the rights of all South Africans;
• discharge my duties with all my strength and talents to the best of my knowledge and ability and true to the dictates of my conscience;
• do justice to all; and
• devote myself to the well-being of the Republic and all of its people.

So help me God.
 

The Inauguration of President-Elect Cyril Ramaphosa will take place at the Union Buildings, Pretoria, tomorrow following his re-election by Parliament on Friday, 14 June 2024.
 
The swearing-in of the President-Elect will be conducted by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo in the Union Buildings’ Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre.
 
The ceremony will be witnessed by South African and international guests, including South African royalty, Members of Parliament, representatives of political parties, leaders of organised labour, business and civil society organisations, religious leaders and South Africans who have excelled in various capacities and endeavours.
 
Attendees will include representatives of regional, continental and international organisations and bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN).
 
President-Elect Ramaphosa will also be honoured by the attendance of a number of Heads of State and Government and former Heads of State and Government from different regions of Africa as well as other world regions.
 
To date, 18 Heads of State and Government, three former Heads of State and Governmen,t and nine Heads of Delegation are expected to attend. Additional confirmations are being received.

Countries that will be represented at a high level at the Inauguration include the Kingdom of eSwatini and Kingdom of Lesotho; the Republics of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Angola and Tanzania; the Republic of Uganda; the People’s Republic of China; the Arab Republic of Egypt; the State of Palestine and the Republic of Cuba.
 
The theme for the occasion is “30 Years of Democracy, Partnership and Growth”.
 
The programme for the day will commence with a cultural programme for members of the public on the South Lawns of the Union Buildings at 09h00.
 
The cultural programme is a platform for local artists to showcase their talent and for us as a nation to share South Africa’s cultural diversity with our guests.

This production will feature a combination of music genres and other cultural and artistic performances that will have a cross-over appeal that reflects our achievements in the past 30 years of our democracy.
 
During the formal proceedings from 11h00, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will perform the ceremonial elements of the Inauguration as a demonstration of allegiance to the Republic and the Commander-In-Chief. The ceremonial elements will include:

* a 21-gun salute,
* A salute flight by the South African Air Force (SAAF),
* Inspection of a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Battalion,
* A Battalion march past, and
* A massed fly past.
 
The newly sworn-in President of the Republic will deliver his Inaugural Address.
 
President-Elect Ramaphosa first became President of the Republic following the resignation of President Jacob Zuma in February 2018.
 
Following the 2019 National and Provincial Elections, President Ramaphosa was elected by the National Assembly as President of the Republic.
 
President Ramaphosa was re-elected by the National Assembly on 14 June 2024.
 
The Presidential Inauguration will be broadcast and streamed on a broad range of platforms nationally and internationally and The Presidency invites South Africans to follow this event.
 
Members of the public are advised to note that tomorrow, Wednesday, 19 June 2024, is a normal working day.
 
People travelling to the event and to Pretoria on other business are advised to visit www.gov.za and www.tshwane.gov.za for information on road closures in the Rietondale/Arcadia area, and to follow traffic updates on radio and television broadcasts. 

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria