Programme Directors, MEC for Health, Ms Ntandokazi Capa, and Provincial Civil Society Chairperson, Mr Melikhaya Lusiti;
Our gracious host, Premier of the Eastern Cape, Mr Oscar Mabuyane;
Executive Mayor of Buffalo City Municipality Cllr. Princess Faku;
Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi;
Ministers and Deputy Ministers present;
Chairperson of the SANAC Civil Society Forum and SANAC Co-Chairperson, Mr Solly Nduku;
Chairperson of the SANAC Private Sector Forum, Ms Nompumelelo Zikalala;
The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr Nelson Muffuh and the rest of the United Nations Family present;
Representative of the United States Government, Consul General Allison Areias;
Second Deputy President of Cosatu, Mr Duncan Luvuno;
President of SALGA, Cllr. Bheke Stofile;
SANAC CEO, Dr Thembisile Xulu;
Traditional Leaders present;
Esteemed guests;
Members of the media and Fellow South Africans;
Molweni!

It is an honour to address you on this special occasion to commemorate World AIDS Day, established in 1988 by the World Health Organisation to raise awareness about the HIV/AIDS pandemic and remember those who have perished from this disease-related illness.

As we commemorate this year’s World AIDS Day, it is also an appropriate time to reflect on the progress we have made and recommit ourselves to doing whatever it takes to achieve our collective vision of an AIDS-free world, as well as to stand in solidarity with the millions of people living with HIV in our country and around the world.

The theme of this year's commemoration is "Equal Rights, Equal Care," which calls for equitable, dignified, and equal access to healthcare for all South Africans, irrespective of their economic status, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.

In addition, the theme emphasises the intrinsic dignity and worth of every individual who is impacted by HIV/AIDS. It demands a decisive halt to discrimination, stigma, and injustices that persistently obstruct our advancement in combating this epidemic.

It is important that everyone living with HIV/AIDS has access to excellent medical care, treatment, and support programs.

We are determined to ensure the protection of everyone’s rights through access to the same level of care in line with the principles of the newly enacted National Health Insurance model.

As a United Nations member state, we are committed to improving the quality of life for our citizens. Over the past years, South Africa has made significant strides in addressing the HIV and AIDS epidemic.

There have been many scientific advances in treatment and antiretroviral therapy, which have allowed people to live long and productive lives. Scientists are optimistic that improved treatment options can enhance prevention, and they are actively working on a cure and vaccine.

However, our country remains the epicentre of HIV and is among those with the highest TB burden. There are nearly 8 million people living with HIV, and TB remains the leading cause of death, claiming around 56,000 lives a year.

We must always be cognisant of the fact that HIV is not only a public health crisis but also a developmental challenge and a human rights matter. Our approaches must be comprehensive, targeted, inclusive, and geo-specific. 

Through the National Strategic Plan which also calls for a whole of society approach, it recommends the introduction of new injectables for HIV prevention and treatment in the country’s HIV Programme.

South Africa is among countries in sub-Saharan Africa that has made significant contributions to the global body of knowledge on HIV prevention, as these HIV injectable medicines were tested in the country.

However, they are now widely accessible in the Global North and remain inaccessible to us in the Global South. 

SANAC will prioritise the establishment of a multi-sectoral working group in order to expand access and the sustainability of injectable anti-retroviral introduction in the country's HIV Programme. This working group will collaborate with the Departments of Science, Technology and Innovation, Trade, Industry and Competition, and Health, as well as the Private Sector and Civil Society, to address the barriers that impede fast access and availability of these medicines to the South African people.

We must prioritise community-led responses and interventions to guarantee that no one falls behind.

Community-Led Interventions
A community-centered approach to HIV is important for several reasons, including reducing stigma. Since community-driven programmes can help reduce HIV-related stigma and discrimination.

Community-centered approaches can improve health literacy and empower people to access healthcare. This in turn feeds into demand creation for prevention services and promotes retention in HIV care.

We are aware of the challenges in our health system and are actively working as a government to address them. The National Health Insurance is a step towards achieving universal health coverage and alleviating the uneven distribution of resources and congestion in public health facilities.

When we work with communities, we learn what shapes their culture, knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs. Understanding these factors enables us to design and implement interventions that are tailored and targeted at specific communities and demographics, such as youth.

Compatriots,

HIV is prevalent among young people, especially adolescent girls and young women between the ages of 15 and 24, with a weekly record of 1,300 new cases. The infection rate among boys of the same age, however, is almost three times less, meaning girls are more vulnerable to HIV infection.

A variety of factors, including the biological makeup of their bodies and their involvement in age-disparate relationships, contribute to this phenomenon. 

Nevertheless, we need more interventions designed for adolescent girls and young women.

As SANAC, we are particularly pleased to note that all provinces have integrated the “Zikhala Kanjani” Youth HIV Prevention Strategy in their Provincial Implementation Plans. The strategy proposes specific interventions for all youth in their diversity to ensure that we are raising a generation that will conquer HIV.

Social and Behavioural Change Communication
We need messages that resonate with young people. We can’t use the one-size-fits-all approach because young people need to be understood, listened to, have their space, and have their own lingo.

We cannot change their behaviour until we reach them with our messages. We must allow them to be young people, but surely to be guided. Instead of pushing them away, let's bring them closer, making it easier for them to seek medical care and take medication when necessary.

This is where technology emerges not just as a tool but as a potential game-changer. By leveraging the power of digital platforms, we can reach vulnerable populations, personalize interventions, and ultimately rewrite the history of HIV prevention in the country. This is because technology provides us an opportunity to engage with youth where they are—on their phones. It enables us to overcome traditional barriers and convey critical   information in an entertaining and accessible manner.

I am encouraged by campaigns such as #ForeverWena, a movement that aims to empower youth to take charge of their sexual health. It encourages open, factual, and informative discussions about healthy sexual behaviour and choices through its WhatsApp chatbot, a digital campaign available 24/7 that offers a confidential space for people to access vital information and support.

The Department of Health, in collaboration with stakeholders, including PEPFAR, has released the new B-Wise App, a progressive web app for youth-friendly health services and information. The B-Wise App is an interactive digital platform that aims to enhance the accessibility of health services for adolescents and young adults, such as HIV prevention, mental health, family planning, and contraceptive use, empowering them to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children by 2030
Compatriots,

We also have challenges with managing HIV in children and putting them on medication; hence we launched the South African Chapter of the Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children by 2030 during last year's World AIDS Day commemoration. 

On that occasion, Mrs Humile Mashatile was inducted as the patron of the Global Alliance initiative in South Africa. Since assuming her duties, the patron has actively engaged on various platforms, raising awareness about the challenges faced by children and adolescents affected by the HIV epidemic. Her efforts exemplify the dedication required to address these issues effectively.

The elimination of vertical transmission of HIV in children remains a cornerstone of our efforts to achieve the Goals of both the National Development Plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as we get closer to Agenda 2030.

Yesterday, the Eastern Cape Province launched its Global Alliance plan, and we congratulate them on this achievement. This makes Eastern Cape the first province in the country to develop and officially launch its own Action Plan for the Global Alliance. We encourage all the other provinces to launch their plans for this work.

We are pleased that several partners, including the private sector and development agencies, are rallying behind this noble cause, sharing their expertise and the requisite resources.

Their collaboration reinforces our shared determination to fulfill the promise of eliminating HIV among children and adolescents by 2030.

Together, we are building a future free from HIV for the most vulnerable members of our society.

HIV Response Sustainability Plans
As different countries work toward the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the HIV response is paramount. Achieving this goal requires transformative actions in policy, programmes, and systems.

It also demands a clear vision, early planning, and strategic approaches to address financial responsibilities to ensure that both governments and their partners are equipped to maintain a robust HIV response. We have already seen how the reduced fiscal allocations by the government and donors have had a negative impact on the HIV and TB programmes, especially during the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

Compatriots,

The fight against HIV and AIDS requires all of us to act together. We have made satisfactory progress, but like in any long march to the golden goal, the last miles become tougher.

We are also happy that the Department of Health, working together with SANAC and our development partners, agreed to the big, fast, and quick results of tracing 1.1 million people living with HIV and linking them to treatment between today and December 2025. 

Linking this 1.1 million people to treatment will enable us to reach the UNAIDS targets of 95-95-95. Let us all play our part and contribute to making this initiative a success.

While significant strides have been made in ensuring that 95% of People Living with HIV know their status, the same cannot be said with respect to ensuring that 95% of people who know their status are on treatment and that 95% of people on treatment are virally suppressed.

As of June 2024, only 79% of people who knew their status were on treatment, and only 93% of people on treatment were virally suppressed. Improvement across the 95-95-95 indicators was more pronounced in males compared to females. As a country, we need to further increase HIV screening, diagnosis, and treatment initiation while maintaining treatment adherence to keep its viral suppression rates high.

We urge all government departments to incorporate HIV/AIDS and TB in their workplace health and wellness programs.  In the same breath, we call upon political parties, trade unions, student organisations, and other formations to encourage their members and supporters to know their HIV status and those who know their status to seek treatment and to remain on treatment.

The transport industry also has an important role to play in conveying these messages on the importance of health screening to the multitudes of people who use public transport on a daily basis.
Our Traditional Leaders need to continue to use platforms at their disposal, such as community meetings, izimbizo, traditional initiation schools, funerals, and such events, to encourage their subjects to test for HIV and TB, know their status, and stay on treatment if they have tested positive for HIV or TB.

We will continuously rely on our religious leaders to mobilize all men and women who worship, especially those who are HIV-positive and have stopped treatment, to return to care.

Similarly, we encourage sporting bodies, their affiliates, clubs, and individual players to contribute in this way.

I would like to urge all the Premiers to make use of the Provincial Councils on AIDS to mobilise these sectors and others that are active in the provinces to help us find the 1.1 million people.

All employers and employment organizations must come to the party.  This is a genuine battle, and if we fail to combat HIV and AIDS, it will ultimately lead to our downfall.

16 Days of Activism
Programme Directors,

This past Monday, we launched the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children in the North-West Province.  The dynamics within relationships and households identify gender-based violence as one of the social drivers of HIV. Similar to HIV, the complexity and multifaceted nature of gender-based violence and femicide contribute to their continued status as a national crisis.

Addressing GBVF in South Africa requires a multisectoral and multifaceted approach that includes education, legal reform, community engagement, and support services for victims. It also requires the economic emancipation of women and girls.

We must all protect the rights of vulnerable groups, including the LGBTIQ community. Hate crimes have no place in our society. Equal rights mean protecting everyone and everywhere.

The various activities organized by the SANAC Men's Sector to mobilize men and boys to march against gender-based violence, femicide, and other social ills profoundly encouraged me.

These activities are a build-up to the National Men’s Parliament, which will take place on the 06th and 07th of this month in Cape Town, where all formations working with men will provide provincial updates on the work done in their communities since the last sitting in 2022.

Programme Directors,

The SANAC Men's Sector is leading the National Men's Health Campaign, known as "Better Man 4 Tomorrow", today. This campaign calls upon all adolescent males and adult men to seek health services and learn about their HIV status and general well-being.

This campaign will bring health services to places where men congregate most, such as sporting events and traditional gatherings.

This campaign seeks, among other things, to establish a coherent network of change agents that seek to advance men’s health across South Africa.
It also aims to reach a million men with a holistic advocacy, communication, and social mobilisation campaign.

Working together, we can end AIDS by the year 2030.

I thank you.
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted the settlement agreement between the Minister of Basic Education and the Solidarity union on the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (BELA). The BELA Bill was passed by the 6th democratic Parliament on 26 October 2023. The President assented to the Bill on 13 September 2024. 

During the public signing of the Bill, President Ramaphosa announced his decision to delay the implementation date for sections 4 and 5 of the Bill by three months. 

The decision was to afford parties time to deliberate on the issues of admission and language policy contained in the two sections and to submit proposals on how the disputed elements in the sections will be resolved.  

On 28 November 2024, the Minister of Basic Education announced that she had signed an agreement with Solidarity on the exercise of her powers and responsibilities on the implementation of the BELA Act. It is worth noting that Solidarity is just one among many interested parties in the matter.

The agreement between the Minister and Solidarity has no bearing – in law or practical effect – on the inclusive multiparty discussions that are underway on sections 4 and 5 of the Act. 

Furthermore, the agreement bears no influence on the President’s powers to ultimately take a decision regarding the commencement of the Act.

President Ramaphosa reiterates his commitment to the undertaking he made when he signed the Bill on 13 September 2024 to give the parties three months to submit proposals on sections 4 and 5. The President therefore awaits the outcome of those deliberations. 

It must be noted that the BELA Act was duly passed by Parliament and assented to by the President. It is now law. The Minister of Basic Education is enjoined to work towards its implementation, sections 4 and 5 aside. 

The next step is for the President to determine the date of commencement and for the necessary regulations to be finalised. This will be done without undue delay. 

The President is bound by the Constitution and the law and remains steadfast in ensuring transformation in the education sector for the benefit of present and future generations of learners. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Due to changes in the President's diary, the media briefing on South Africa’s Group of Twenty (G20) Presidency has been rescheduled to Tuesday, 03 December 2024 in Cape Town. 

Media are invited as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 03 December 2024
Time: 09h30 ( media to arrive at 08h30)
Venue: 120 Plein Street, Parliament, Imbizo Media Centre, Cape Town

Members of the media  who wish to cover the briefing are invited to resubmit their details (ID/passport number and media house) to Patience Mtshali at patience@presidency.gov.za and copy makungu@presidency.gov.za  by Sunday ,01 December 2024.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Programme Director, Deputy Minister Peace Mabe,
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Gayton McKensie,
Premier of Gauteng, Mr Panyaza Lesufi,
President of SASCOC, Mr Barry Hendricks,
Minister, Deputy Ministers and MECs,
Olympians and Paralympians,
Distinguished Guests,
Fellow South Africans,

This is a moment of great pride for our nation.

It is a moment to express our gratitude to those who have represented our nation with such distinction on the world’s greatest stage.

Today, we are not just celebrating medals and the star athletes who won them. 

We are also celebrating the spirit of South Africa. 

We are celebrating the power of sport to unite us, to inspire us and to remind us of the strength we possess when we stand together as a nation. 

We are celebrating the extraordinary resilience of our athletes, their unwavering determination and their incredible talent.

We are celebrating the profound symbolism that sport holds in our society. 

In a country that has endured years of division and hardship, sport has been essential in forging a shared identity and a common nationhood.

Today, we reflect on South Africa’s Olympic and Paralympic journey.

That journey began with struggle, discrimination, exclusion and isolation.

Through the efforts of many great patriots that journey has become one of excellence, pride, achievement and social cohesion. 

South Africa’s participation in the Games has been about more than just sport.

It has been about the quest for equality, the fight for justice and the desire to represent the best of what we can be as a nation. 

We recall the years of discrimination and segregation in South African sport.

It was a time when so many of our athletes were denied the opportunity to compete as equals, either in South Africa or on the world stage.

It was a time when the people of South Africa were denied the opportunity to witness their country’s full sporting potential.

As the country embarked on its transition to democracy, as the world gathered in Barcelona for the 1992 Olympics, South Africa was ready to take its place among the world’s sporting nations once again.

For many, this was not just about winning medals. It was about reclaiming our place in the world. 

The return of South Africa to the Olympic Games was an important symbol of the country’s quest for freedom and its commitment to non-racialism and democracy.

In every Olympic Games since, our athletes have shown the world that South Africa is capable of producing world-class talent across a variety of sports.

And in every Paralympic Games, our athletes have not only demonstrated their athletic ability but have also challenged perceptions about disability. 

These athletes have proven that physical limitations are no match for the strength of the human spirit.

The success of our Paralympic athletes reminds us that greatness knows no boundaries. 

As we honour our Olympic and Paralympic champions, we must recognise the ongoing work that needs to be done to support athletes with disabilities. 

The 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games saw remarkable performances from Team South Africa. 

We honour the medallists, Team SA and everyone who has played a role to make our country so proud.

Our Olympic team won 6 medals: 1 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze. 

Our Paralympic team also won 6 medals: 2 gold and 4 bronze.

Today, we are honouring these medallists with Recognition Awards.

We are also honouring the athletes that achieved the most outstanding performances at the Olympic and Paralympic Games with the presentation of the Shield of Jove. 

This prestigious award was donated to the South African government in 1948 by Frederick Mitchell-Hedges, a British archaeologist involved in mining in South Africa.

It is a symbol of excellence, perseverance and dedication to the pursuit of sporting greatness.

This year, we are proud to award the Shield of Jove to Tatjana Smith and Mpumelelo Mhlongo, in recognition of their exceptional achievements at the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.

These remarkable achievements are the product of a collective commitment to building a sustainable sporting culture in South Africa. 

Our athletes have excelled because of the investments we’ve made in sports infrastructure, in grassroots development and in training systems. 

However, we must do more to ensure that the next generation of South African athletes has even greater opportunities to succeed.

We must continue to invest in youth development, ensuring that children in every part of our country – whether urban or rural – have access to sports programmes. 

This means strengthening our partnerships with local schools, community centres and clubs.

We must make sure that our youth are equipped with the skills, coaching and facilities they need to reach their full potential.

We must never forget that every medal won – every record broken – is a testament to the countless hours of training, sacrifice and dedication that our athletes put into their craft.

Today is a celebration not just of the medals our athletes have won, but of the spirit of South Africa. 

We are a nation forged in struggle, in adversity and in hope. 

To the Olympic and Paralympic champions with us here today, we say thank you.

To the teams of people – coaches, trainers, therapists, doctors, families, friends and many others – who carry stars onto the podium, we say thank you. 

We recognise with gratitude our corporate sponsors and the National Lotteries Commission who provided significant funding to SASCOC, enabling our athletes to participate and to excel.

We have come a long way since our country’s return to the Olympic Games in 1992.

We know that we are capable of much more. 

We are a nation that stands united, proud and ready for the challenges of the future. 

Together, we will continue to build a legacy of sporting excellence

A legacy that will inspire many generations to come.

I thank you.
 

The Office of the Deputy President has learned of an agreement on the BELA Act, from informal channels and has since written a letter to all members of the GNU clarifying that the process that is referred to in the statement supposedly released by Solidarity is based on a process outside the sanctioned process of the Clearing House of the parties that signed the statement of intent.

According to the statement only one party from GNU would have been involved in a parallel process to the one sanctioned by the GNU parties and signatories of the statement of intent. Based on the statement, the Minister of Education and an official from government would have been complicit in this meeting. 

The GNU and its representative parties are still engaged in a process that will be finalised soon. ‘We call on all parties that signed the statement of intent to uphold their bonafides and cooperate with the official process,’ said the Deputy President. The BELA ACT, like other ACTs is a product of parliament and the President, and no intervention can therefore downplay the centrality of these key role players. 

The Deputy President assures the representatives of all political parties in the GNU Clearing House Mechanism that processes will unfold to manage the situation collectively with members of the GNU towards finding an amicable solution.

Representatives of political parties in the GNU Clearing House Mechanism will be informed officially about the details of the next meeting where the recommendations of the Sub-committee will be tabled. 

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

Enquiries on GNU: Mr. Mduduzi Mbada, Head of Office of the Deputy President on 082 900 1893

Issued by: The Presidency
Cape Town

President Cyril Ramaphosa will  today, Friday, 29 November 2024, address the MTN 30 year’s celebration dinner at Montecasino, Johannesburg.  

The celebrations are hosted under the theme “30 Years of Impact” to underscore MTN’s three decades of connecting people, changing lives and driving socio-economic transformation across South Africa and the African continent. 

This is embodied in the annual “21 Days of Y’ello Care” initiative, which is commemorated under the theme “Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow: Education for Rural and Remote Communities”. The initiative mobilises societies and MTN employees across the continent to dedicate their time and resources to reinstall hope through digital innovations, by enhancing educational and skills development opportunities, amongst others.  

The initiative also focuses on bridging the digital divide in rural and remote areas, by providing digital learning tools and supporting educational infrastructure to empower the next generation of leaders.

MTN’s 30-year journey is a testament to the transformative power of technology and the unwavering spirit of innovation.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will co-chair the 11th Session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) between South Africa and the Federal Republic of Nigeria with His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

The South Africa – Nigeria Bi-National Commission will take place next week Tuesday, 3 December 2024, during the working visit by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Tuynhuys in Cape Town. 

South Africa and Nigeria are this year marking 30 years of diplomatic relations, established in February 1994. 

The BNC will be preceded by the Senior Officials Meeting on 28 to 29 November 2024 and the Ministerial Meeting on 2 December 2024. 

In March 2016, during the State Visit by South Africa, the BNC was elevated to a presidential level. There has been a number of exchanges of high-level visits between the two countries, including the visit to Nigeria by President Ramaphosa to attend President Tinubu’s inauguration ceremony held in Abuja on 29 May 2023. In turn, President Tinubu attended the inauguration of President Ramaphosa in June 2024 and had an opportunity to exchange views.

South Africa regards Nigeria as a strategic partner in the context of bilateral relations in the West Africa region, and the continent in pursuing the vision for Africa’s renewal, South-South cooperation, and in the promotion of a rules-based international system of governance. The two countries share a common vision on issues of political and economic integration of the African continent

There are currently thirty-four (34) Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding between the two countries which cover a wide range of fields including economic, technical, scientific, social, and tourism, amongst others. 

The two countries share historical relations dating back to the struggles against colonialism and the aapartheid, during which period Nigeria supported the African National Congress and other liberation movements. Nigeria spearheaded various campaigns, calling for political and economic sanctions against the apartheid system. 

In December 1989, Nigeria championed the adoption of the landmark UN Declaration on Apartheid and its Destructive Consequences in South Africa. 

The BNC is expected to further deepen the existing political relations between South Africa and Nigeria and celebrate thirty years of unbroken diplomatic relations between the two countries since 1994. 

It will also provide an opportunity to explore new possible areas of economic, trade and investment cooperation.

A business roundtable between South Africa and Nigeria will follow after the conclusion of the BNC on 3 December 2024. Nigeria accounts for approximately 64% of South Africa’s total trade with the West African Region.

South Africa – Nigeria 11th Bi-National Commission will take place as follows: 
Date: Tuesday, 3 December 2024 
Time: 12:00 (Media to arrive 2 hours before) 
Venue: Tuynhuys, Cape Town 

Members of the media interested in covering the SA – Nigeria BNC at Tuynhuys are invited to fill in the attached media accreditation application form and send to Khutjo Sebata at khutjo@presidency.gov.za  and for the SA – Nigeria Business Roundtable to Mamosa Dikeledi at MDikeledi@theDTIC.gov.za before 17h00 on Friday 29 November 2024.

Due to space limitation, accreditation will be granted on a first come basis and no late applications will be accepted.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director;

Former President of South Africa and Patron of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, His Excellency Thabo Mbeki;

Former Prime Minister of Australia, His Excellency Tony Abbott;

Former Prime Minister of Mali, His Excellency Moussa Mara;

Former Minister of Commerce and Industry, India, Honourable Anand Sharma;

Chairman, Observer Research Foundation, India, Mr Sunjoy Joshi;

President, Observer Research Foundation, India, Mr Samir Saran;

Chief Executive Officer, Thabo Mbeki Foundation, South Africa, Mr Max Boqwana;

Distinguished Guests,

I am delighted to be invited to participate in this second Cape Town Conversation.

The conversation takes place at a time of tectonic shifts in global politics. The world is facing a poly-crisis, characterised by high levels of poverty, inequality, economic stagnation, and climate change, among other things.  

Over the past three days, we are aware that delegates here have engaged in identifying responses to the emerging challenges, including assessing progress on the outcomes of the first Cape Town Conversation. 

We regard this gathering as a critical and important platform in which you have taken it upon yourself to re-imagine the world by having honest reflections about where we are globally and, most importantly, how we want to chart the path ahead. 

Equally, in our country, over the past thirty years since the dawn of democracy, we have been hard at work building a better life for all and contributing to a better Africa and a Better World. 

We have taken it upon ourselves that our development as a country is intricately linked to the development and growth of our continent and, indeed, the world. 

In this context, we have been working on the continent for peace, stability, and security to silence the guns. Equally, we take a non-aligned stance in conflict and prioritise social justice, peace, and development across the world. 

Similarly, we have always been critical of the reforms of the United Nations and all its organs because we want equal opportunities for the rest of the continent. 

We have also demonstrated our appreciation and commitment to peace by taking Israel to the ICJ because of the crimes committed against the people of Palestine particularly in Gaza. As President Mandela said, ‘we know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the Freedom of the Palestinians.’

It is for this reason that we stand in solidarity with the people of Cuba, Western Sahara, Sudan, South Sudan and many parts of the world where there is conflict, wars and insecurity. This we do because of solidarity and our commitment to unity.  
 
Compatriots and fellow delegates, we must resolve conflicts in Africa. In this regard, I would like to thank President Mbeki for his continued efforts for peace and security on the continent. 

Equally, we must find lasting peace across the world, since access to key resources is a big challenge, affecting our economies and development. 

As countries of the global South, we must, therefore, firmly ground our multilateral cooperation in the synergy between peace and development.

Compatriots and fellow delegates, South Africa will assume the G20 Presidency on 1 December 2024. The overarching theme of South Africa’s Presidency will be "Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainable Development."
South Africa intends to place Africa’s development at the top of the agenda. We shall use the opportunity presented by this G20 presidency to advance the priorities of the AU’s Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, in close collaboration with the African Union.

Throughout our G20 tenure, we will guarantee that the G20 remains attuned to the requirements of the developing economies in Africa and the broader Global South. South Africa firmly believes that the G20, with the United Nations (UN) at its centre, is vital in accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The global stagnation in advancing sustainable development is concerning and highlights the need for international cooperation in addressing these challenges, including those related to illicit financial flows. This would ensure that low—and middle-income countries have equitable access to sustainable development.

Compatriots and Fellow Delegates,

You will agree with me that there needs to be an expansion in the accessibility of affordable, reliable, and sustainable finance for low—and middle-income countries. 

Our countries also still need to make strides in areas such as modern energy, capacity building, access to affordable and the latest technology in the public domain, mutually beneficial technology cooperation, and financing mitigation actions in the energy sector.

Following some of your discussions, I am pleased that there is some consensus that we should strengthen global collaboration through multilateralism to achieve our goals. South Africa believes that Multilateral  Development Banks (MDB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), need to be reformed to meet the needs of growing economies for sustainable development and climate resilience.

Presently, multilateral support is out of reach for most of the world’s population due to risk-averse lending policies that impose heavy costs and conditions. South Africa is acting as a bridge between the global South and the international community, advocating for inclusive policies that represent the interests of low—and middle-income countries. 

As a member of international organisations like the United Nations, the African Union, and BRICS, South Africa actively participates in diplomatic efforts to address issues affecting developing countries.

South Africa advocates for policies encouraging economic development, poverty eradication, social fairness, and sustainability in developing countries.

These include fair trade agreements, debt relief, access to critical services such as healthcare and education, and combating climate change. Through advocating for these interests on a global scale, South Africa ensures that their voices are heard, and their demands are met in international talks.

This role as a mediator and advocate for the Global South assists in building a more equal and inclusive international community.

Compatriots and Fellow Delegates,

South Africa also places importance on the issue of critical minerals and will seek to highlight this during its G20 Presidency. The country aims to address issues of beneficiation, domestic resource mobilisation, critical mineral strategy, interdependent supply chains, and natural capital. 

These minerals are crucial for a just transition and a green economy, and deliberations on the type of investment required to address these issues remains relevant.

During the Foundation’s Africa Day Lecture, Prof. Abdoulaye Bathily asked whether, "Africa should remain the provider of raw materials while our population is dying of hunger?"

This question struck me and remained a point I pondered on.

Indeed, we must not continue to be raw material suppliers and allow our fertile lands to be auctioned off by international investors who come to exploit our raw minerals and export them to other countries. At the same time, our people remain jobless and continue to languish in poverty. 

Compatriots and Fellow delegates;

Over the past three days, some discussions have centred on transforming global governance, creating new growth pathways, and developing actionable solutions. 

In this regard, we are dedicating ourselves to offering a distinctive opportunity to elevate the requirements, aspirations, and ambitions of countries in the Global South.

South Africa intends to build on the success of the Indonesian, Indian, and Brazilian G20 Presidency and use its Presidency to advance global reform agendas, particularly in transforming global financial architecture and reforming the International Monetary Fund/World Bank/Multilateral Development Banks.

We are also considering monitoring the G20's past commitments and the possibility of a G20 review, given that the full cycle of G20 members ends with South Africa.

South Africa will thus persist in promoting the peaceful resolution of global conflicts. Our foreign policy is guided by principles of solidarity, peace, equality, human rights, and sustainable development for the collective benefit. We will persist in fulfilling this commitment without undue pressure and in line with South Africa's national sovereign interests.

We welcome Lebanon's cease-fire and hope for an end to the genocide in Gaza. We hope that the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah will help bring stability to the region and end the cycle of violence along the border.

What we want to see now, is the urgent need to improve humanitarian conditions!

Let the guns be silenced in the continent and around the world and let unity and peace reign!

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Amidst all the challenges, there are many opportunities. We believe the Global South remains a ray of hope. It encapsulates regions where economic growth has remained steady, populations are receptive to new ideas and transformative policies, and the political will for change remains strong.

We can all agree that countries in the global south have immense potential for growth and development, which exists in our community. We can capitalise on new opportunities, whether in business, education, or innovation, to uplift and empower one another.

Africa has been gaining more attention from the international community because of its dynamic economic progress.

As developing countries, we should also leverage the digital economy to transform traditional economic processes, as this is the direction the global world is headed towards. 

Therefore, we must ensure that entrepreneurs, innovators, and workers harness digital technologies to meet their needs.

However, we must remain cognisant that the Global South is industrialising and digitalising simultaneously.

It is important for us to maintain balance and be inclusive in our programs and policies, so we leave no one behind.

We must capitalise on the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which establishes a unified continental market for products and services in Africa. It seeks to expedite intra-African trade and has the potential to enhance our economies and improve the quality of life of the people throughout the continent.

This will result in the diversification of exports, the acceleration of growth, and an increase in investment and employment possibilities for South Africans and the broader continent. 

For success, African countries must prioritise the development of infrastructure, particularly for rail and road transport, as it is the most favoured mode for transporting products, services, and passengers. We must also invest heavily in our ports to ensure efficient freight logistics.

Compatriots and Fellow delegates;

Another obstacle to our success is the effects of climate change, which impact the environment and livelihoods and result in socio-economic distress. 

To prevent such occurrences, we must remain dedicated to fulfilling the obligations outlined in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris Agreement.

To effectively respond to these disasters, we must adjust macroeconomic policies and create policy flexibility to address more frequent weather shocks. We must also enhance infrastructure to enhance economic resilience.

As we work toward net zero, wealthier countries must afford us time to adjust, financial support, and policy assistance when required.

Compatriots and Fellow Delegates,

As we part ways for our respective destinations, our focus should be on implementing what has been discussed. Indeed, the best way to measure a conference's success is to implement its resolutions. 
Our countries' development lies on our shoulders. 

We must agree to do all we can to ensure a better future for the next generations. As President Nelson Mandela once said ‘It always seem impossible, until it is done’! The speed of execution must become our mantra!

I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will today, Thursday, 28 November 2024, deliver an annual address to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Parliament, Cape Town.

The sitting and the debate on the address will be held under the theme "Dedicating Our Efforts Towards Reducing Poverty and Tackling the High Cost of Living." 

The President will reflect on the priorities of the 7th administration and the co-operation among the spheres of government.

The Annual Address will take place as follows:
Date: Thursday, 28 November 2024
Time: 14h00
Venue: NCOP Chamber, Cape Town

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

His Excellency, President Thabo Mbeki (former)
Distinguished Guests

I wish to thank the Thabo MBEKI Foundation for the invitation to articulate “South Africa’s Vision and Commitment to Shaping a More Inclusive Global Governance System” and to unpack “the Pivotal Role of the Global South and South Africa’s Upcoming G20 Presidency in Advancing Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”. 

It is indeed an honour to be invited by an institution that is dedicated to “facilitating dialogue on the strategic priorities and actions for Africa’s Renaissance”, a few days before the first ever Presidency of the G20 by an African country begins. 

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the interconnectedness of the global South and North. The growing unity and assertiveness of the global South has amplified its role in global governance and provided a platform for reshaping global governance structures to better reflect the needs and aspirations of the world’s majority. It can be said that the global South continues to demonstrate that it is not merely a passive participant but a transformative force in global governance, advocating for equity, inclusivity, and sustainable development in an evolving international order. This influence arises from their collective population size, economic growth trajectories, natural resources, and evolving geopolitical alliances. 

Many countries in the global South are central to global trade networks and they are beginning to play a larger role in technology innovation, particularly in areas like fintech and renewable energy. Demonstrating the emergence of the global South in the global economy. Initiatives like the New Development Bank (NDB) and China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) reflect efforts to create alternative pathways for economic development and governance, bypassing traditional Western institutions.

Being home to the majority of the world’s population, representing a youthful and growing labor force has gifted the global South with a demographic dynamism that positions these nations as drivers of global consumption and production in the coming decades. In addition, the global South holds vast reserves of natural resources, including minerals, energy resources, and arable land, making it central to global supply chains and energy security. 

Countries in the Global South advocate for greater representation in international institutions such as the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), International Monetary Fund (IMF), and World Bank. Forums such as the Conference of the Parties (COP) have witnessed the Global South shaping discussions on adaptation, mitigation, and the Loss and Damage Fund.

It is in this context of it being part of the global South that has shaped South Africa’s vision for an inclusive global governance system reflects South Africa commitment to creating a world that prioritizes fairness, sustainability, and cooperation. By championing reforms in international institutions, fostering African unity, and engaging in South-South cooperation, South Africa seeks to ensure that the voices of marginalized and developing nations are not only heard but have a meaningful impact on the global stage. This is drawn from our foreign policy principles that are rooted in human rights, solidarity, and African unity and it is succinctly summarised in our objective of “A better Africa, and a better world”.

So, we advocate for an inclusive global governance system that prioritizes equitable development, multilateral cooperation, and justice. South Africa has worked to reform international institutions and promote a more balanced world order. Let me give a brief overview of South Africa’s vision and commitments:

1. A Vision for Inclusive Multilateralism
South Africa envisions a global governance system that reflects the realities of the 21st century, especially the growing influence of the Global South and thus we advocate for:
   •   Reform of Global Institutions: South Africa has called for changes to the United Nations (particularly the Security Council), the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Trade Organisation (WTO) to better represent developing nations.
   •   A Fairer Global Economic Order: South Africa seeks to address systemic inequalities in trade, finance, and technology transfer that disadvantage African and other developing countries.

2. Leadership on the African Continent
As a prominent member of the African Union (AU), South Africa tries to play an important role in advancing the continent’s agenda on global platforms, including:
   •   Agenda 2063: Aligning global governance reforms with the AU’s vision for a prosperous and peaceful Africa.

3. Commitment to BRICS and the Global South
South Africa’s active membership in BRICS demonstrates its commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation and through institutions like the New Development Bank (NDB), South Africa supports projects that address infrastructure and development gaps in emerging economies. The BRICS also serves as a platform for South Africa to amplify the collective voice of the Global South in global governance discussions.

4. Climate Justice and Sustainability
South Africa is vocal about the need for an inclusive approach to addressing climate change that considers the vulnerabilities of developing nations:
   •   Just Energy Transition: Advocating for international support to transition from coal-dependent energy systems while addressing unemployment and inequality and without indebting future generations 
   •   Global Climate Financing: Pushing for increased and accessible funding mechanisms to assist developing countries in adapting to climate impacts including the possibility for a global climate insurance fund. 

5. Peace, Security, and Human Rights
We continue to champion for conflict resolution and protection & promotion of human rights. We drive this through our Mediation Efforts such as South Africa’s contribution to peace-building processes in Africa, like in the Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and our participation in the African Peace Initiative on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. We are strong advocates for fair and inclusive global systems that uphold international law and human dignity. South Africa’s case in the International Court of Justice against Israel based on the plight of the people of Palestine is rooted on this principle.

6. Advocacy for Inclusive Trade and Development
South Africa promotes the need for equitable trade systems that enable meaningful participation by developing nations in the global economy. Our role in the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area) seeks to leverage regional integration to enhance Africa’s collective bargaining power in global trade. A strong bargaining power is demonstrating its bearing in our call for fair access to technology and investments that support sustainable industrialization.

Therefore South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 will be informed by these principles.

As government we consider our imminent presidency of the G20 and the hosting of its Summit in 2025 not just as an honour to South Africa, but a historic opportunity for our continent to address longstanding inequities and to champion transformative policies that would benefit its people and those of the global South in general. It was indeed befitting that the African Union attained permanent membership of the G20 before our presidency and hosting of the Summit on African soil - as this offers us an opportunity to collectively leverage the presence of our Union in the G20 to champion a pan-African agenda. 

South Africa’s G20 priorities 

South Africa has chosen the theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability” for its G20 Presidency.  While the high-level deliverables and priorities of our G20 presidency resonate with the agenda of the Global South and Africa in particular; we have painstakingly ensured that our G20 presidency also mirrors and contributes to the realisation of our own national priorities and initiatives. 

Priority 1: Inclusive Economic Growth, Industrialisation, Employment and Inequality
South Africa has identified this priority with the view to elevating and accelerating the discussion around industrialisation, especially in Africa and other developing regions, focusing on special economic zones, green industries and technology, energy, food security, manufacturing, trade, logistics, and regional and global integration. This priority is strategically aligned with our own programme of action as articulated in the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024-2029 on Inclusive Economic Growth and Job Creation. The realisation of this priority requires an alignment of all spheres of economic policy behind the goals of achieving high employment, decent work and inclusive economic growth through industrialisation and re-industrialisation, in a manner that focuses on youth employment, closes the gender-gap, reduces inequality and protects the environment.

During its Presidency, South Africa will propose the creation of a Task Force on Inclusive Economic Growth, Industrialisation, Employment and Inequality. The Task Force will provide a platform to share ideas on economic policy frameworks best suited for the individual needs of countries, while at the same time ensuring international policy coordination. 

Priority 2: Food Security
Reports from prominent institutions such the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Programme, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the United Nations Children’s Fund and the World Health Organization paint a disturbing picture of the state of global hunger. Reports released by these organisations in July 2024 place the number of people who faced hunger globally at 733 million.

Africa continues to register negative food security trends, with 2024 being the fifth consecutive year of rising food insecurity on the continent. The number of Africans classified as “food stressed” increased by 11 million to a record high of 225 million in 2024. Sub-Saharan Africa’s continued reliance on subsistence farming and food imports makes the continent susceptible to a combination of global and local factors, such as extreme weather, economic shocks and conflict. 

We have equally linked the food security issue with our own programme of action. Food security falls squarely within the ambit of South Africa’s own Priority 2 of the MTDP 2024-2029 on Reduction of Poverty and Tackling the High Cost of Living. Among other outcomes, the government has committed itself to ensuring an effective, integrated and comprehensive poverty alleviation strategy aimed at lifting the most vulnerable out of poverty. 

During our G20 presidency we propose the establishment of a Task Force on Food Security. The task Force will look at food security and systems under regional and global pillars. Under the regional pillar, it is envisaged that the G20 could task the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to monitor, provide technical advice and encourage regional approaches to resilience in food systems, such as water, energy, infrastructure, trade, and climate change. Under the global pillar, the Task Force would embark on initiatives to address the drivers of food insecurity due to speculative activities, market concentration, and barriers related to food trading systems. Government of South Africa is currently considering a strategy to prevent Food Waste or Loss. 

Priority 3: Artificial Intelligence and Innovation for Sustainable Development
Artificial Intelligence (AI) features strongly in the 19th G20 Summit Leaders' Declaration (Brazil 2024). The Declaration emphasised that AI progress brings great opportunities for development within the framework of the digital economy and highlights the importance of establishing safeguards to uphold human rights, governance, the need for human supervision and appropriate regulation. This would ensure the alignment of technological development with human values. 

South Africa has noted that all these issues impact some of her priorities, especially those pertaining to Inclusive Economic Growth and Job Creation as AI will impact the world of work and the emergence of the digital economy. Consequently, South Africa proposes that during its presidency of the G20, a Task Force on Artificial Intelligence be established to play a crucial role in aligning Africa's strategic priorities with the broader global agenda; ensuring that regional perspectives and needs are integrated into the international discourse on AI governance. We are strongly considering legacy projects of South Africa’s G20 Presidency in the field of AI.

“The G20 after 20 Years”: A Reflection on Key Achievements and the Way Forward
During its presidency of the G20, South Africa also proposes a comprehensive review of the work of G20. The review will identify proposals to strengthen consensus building. At the G20 Brazil Leaders Summit, our President introduced the concept of “sufficient consensus” which is was used during South Africa’s CODESA negotiations.

Furthermore, South Africa plans to continue the practice started by Brazil to include civil society that are not yet involved in the work of the G20 engagement groups. In this regard, a partnership with non-governmental organisations such as Thabo Mbeki Foundation known for facilitating dialogues will come in handy to bring together representatives of the existing engagement groups and other segments of civil society that may offer meaningful contributions to the G20.

The world, or at least parts of it, has been subjected to elements of global governance for a few centuries now, with the various empires that have ruled at different times imposing elements of global governance, some of which doctrinally survive to this day. The Second World War and the outcomes thereof have given the world much of what obtains today as the prime institutions and systems of global governance. However, that period is vastly and materially different from the world of today. Many countries of the South were colonies at the time and this was notably the case in Africa. The countries that were defeated during that war were largely marginalised or contained as a measure of preventing them from becoming a threat to global peace and security. They were arguably co-opted into the global institutions and systems of governance later but importantly, within the prism of the Cold War, that largely defined global affairs after the Second World War.

There are several other forces with a strategic motive that have since come to the fore: much of the colonial world has been liberated; climate change is a global challenge that poses an existential threat to humanity; demographic changes in the population of the world and the inherent migration patterns underpinning it have changed markedly; the dizzying speed of evolution of technologies, notably Artificial Intelligence and machine learning, bring about in almost equal measure opportunities and risks; the deep sea and deep space are areas of inquiry and exploitation that require progressive and equitable global governance; non-state actors often pay a role equal to or even bigger than state actors, including terrorist networks and transnational criminal syndicates; and the capacity of a few countries to take and effect decisions across the world, including outside the context of the established institutions of global governance. 

Without a doubt, the current architecture has prejudiced the countries of the South more than the countries of the North. The scope of issues covered or requiring global governance is very wide and affects almost every facet of humanity. The challenge facing the world in this respect is whether or not these institutions of global governance need “pragmatic reform” or “pragmatic transformation”, or elements of both. Thus South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 must not only provide an answer to this question, but advance reforms of the institutions of global governance to become systems and institutions that will be relevant and effective for the next 50 to 100 years.

Thank you