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Deputy President to address the launch of principles and guidelines for the use of digital and social media in African elections
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His Excellency Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Tuesday, 27 February 2024, deliver a keynote address on the launch of principles and guidelines for the use of digital and social media in African elections at the Protea Hotel, Wanderers in Illovo, Johannesburg.

These guidelines seek to create awareness among Election Management Bodies and other stakeholders on the benefits and threats of digital and social media to the electoral process and integrity.

These principles and guidelines are a comprehensive framework for the continental EMBs and were adopted in Cotonou, Benin during the 11th General Assembly meeting of Association of African Electoral Authorities (AAEA) in November 2023.

The Electoral Commission of South Africa provided secretariat support and facilitated the process for the development of these guidelines. The first draft of the guidelines was presented at the validation workshop hosted by the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in September last year. 

These guidelines are relevant to the South African context as they are aligned to our appreciation of the pivotal role that social media plays in strengthening our democracy, and the importance of social media as a source for credible and factual information to the public. 

 

Media enquiries: Spokesperson of the Deputy President, Mr. Keith Khoza, on +27 66 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President Ramaphosa concludes visit to the Republic of Namibia to bid farewell to President Geingob
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded a Working Visit to Windhoek, Namibia, today, Sunday, 25 February 2024, where he joined the Geingob family, the First Lady Madame Monica Geingos, the people and government of Namibia and other Heads of State and Government, to bid farewell to the President of the Republic of Namibia, His Excellency Hage Gottfried Geingob.

President Geingob passed away on Sunday, 04 February 2024, while being treated in hospital for cancer.

President Ramaphosa reiterates, on behalf of the government and people of South Africa, his deep condolences to the government and people of Namibia, especially First Lady Madame Monica Geingos.

President Ramaphosa further extends his sympathies to President Nangolo Mbumba, the Cabinet of our neighbouring state and the leadership and members of the SWAPO Party at this time of mourning.

President Ramaphosa and President Geingob enjoyed a close relationship which infused relations between our two countries.

In 2023, President Ramaphosa hosted President Geingob to a State Visit to South Africa in April, while in October, President Ramaphosa undertook a Working Visit to Namibia to co-chair with President Geingob the Third Session of the South Africa-Namibia Bi-National Commission.

“I will forever remember, very fondly, his brotherly love. I remain inspired by the dedication he demonstrated towards his work, his undoubted commitment to the well being of his people and his desire to see a peaceful, united and developing continent of Africa. His support and guidance to me and to fellow Heads of State and Government within SADC remains invaluable to this day and in the future,” reflected President Ramaphosa.

Whilst in Namibia President Cyril Ramaphosa held a meeting with HE President Felix Tshisikedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo, HE President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi and HE President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi in Namibia.

The meeting continues from an engagement between the heads of state that took place in Addis Ababa on the margins of the recently held AU Summit. The leaders, whose countries have contributed troops to the SADC Mission in the DRC, discussed efforts towards the restoration of peace and security in the eastern DRC.

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Deputy President Mashatile to address the International Task Force on Teachers for Education 2030 14th Policy Dialogue Forum
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Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will tomorrow, 26 February 2024 address the 14th Policy Dialogue Forum (PDF) of the International Task Force on Teachers for Education.

The Task Force is a global platform for education stakeholders, which aims to foster advocacy, knowledge exchange, peer learning and monitoring progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education.

Deputy President Mashatile is expected to highlight some of the Government initiatives aimed at attracting more citizens to the teaching profession to ensure that the quality of education is maintained at a higher standard. 

The forum will also release a High-Level Panel Report on the Teaching Profession, as well as launch the Global Report on teacher shortages. 

Members of the media are invited to attend the PDF as follows:
 
Date: Monday, 26 February 2024
Time: 09h00
Venue: The Capital on The Park, 101 Katherine St, Sandown, Sandton

For accreditation purposes, members of the media are requested to confirm their attendance by sending an email to khala.t@dbe.gov.za / mdhlalose.t@dbe.gov.za

 

Media enquiries: Spokesperson of the Deputy President, Mr. Keith Khoza, on +27 66 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Minister of Electricity to brief media on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan
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The Minister in The Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, will tomorrow, 26 February 2024, brief the media on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan. 

Members of the media are invited to attend the briefing as follows:

Date: Monday, 26 February 2024
Time: 10h00 (media to arrive at 09h00 for setup)
Venue: GCIS Auditorium, Tshedimosetso House, 1035 Francis Baard Street, Hatfield, Pretoria 

Live Streaming details:

Facebook: http://facebook.com/GovernmentZA   
Twitter: http://twitter.com/GovernmentZA   
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GovernmentZA  


Media enquires: Tsakane Khambane, Spokesperson in the Ministry of Electricity, on 082 084 5566 / tsakane@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Ministry in The Presidency for Electricity
Pretoria

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President Cyril Ramaphosa engages with KwaZulu-Natal Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has this afternoon, Friday 23 February 2023, held an engagement with the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial House of Traditional and Koi-San Leadership aimed at addressing issues and foster closer relations between Government and institutions of traditional leadership.

Among the issues addressed by the President, was the finalisation of the Traditional Leaders Handbook which contains all the support that will be provided to Amakhosi by the Government.
 
With KZN having grappled with the killing of Amakhosi, the President committed that the Government was looking into the matter to decide on the best solution.
 
President Ramaphosa pleaded with Amakhosi to collaborate with Government to fight social ills, build rural economies and assist in facilitating development such as building bridges, roads and educational programmes.
 
With general elections on the horizons, President Ramaphosa also appealed to Amakhosi to be tolerant to all political parties by allowing campaigning in their communities without fear and intimidation. He also encouraged political parties to respect Traditional Leaders as they carry on with their campaigns.
 
Concluding his address, President Ramaphosa reassured Amakhosi that issues pertaining to land, rural development, agriculture will be attended to and ensure strong collaboration between Government and Amakhosi.

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President proclaims election date and public holiday
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has, in terms of Section 49(2) of the Constitution, read with Section 17 of the Electoral Act (Act No 73 of 1998), proclaimed 29 May 2024 as the date for the general national and provincial elections.

This follows consultation by the President with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

The proclamation on the election date has been published in the Government Gazette of Friday, 23 February 2024.

The President has also, in terms of Section 2A of the Public Holidays Act (Act No 36 of 1994), proclaimed the day of the election, 29 May 2024 as a public holiday throughout the Republic.

 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President Ramaphosa facilitates closer collaboration with the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has this morning, Friday 23 February held an engagement with the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC. This initiative is a partnership with the KZN Growth Coalition.

The President was supported by a Government delegation comprising of Ministers Gordhan, Cele, Mchunu, Ramokgopa and Zikalala.

The purpose of the engagement was to give the private sector an opportunity to engage with Government on Durban's most pressing issues.

The last Presidential Engagement took place in May 2022. This morning's session presented an opportunity for the President and the Durban Business community to recap on measures that have been put in place to grow the provinces economy and address the current water, electricity and infrastructure challenges.  

During the interaction, the President and the Ministers briefed the business community on various initiatives that are currently underway in assisting eThekwini and the Province through the various interventions led by the National Government. 

To accelerate the speedy resolution of issues impacting the eThekwini metro, President Ramaphosa has set up the Presidential eThekwini working group that will be made up of Ministers in the affected portfolios, working alongside the metro and business. The working group will present their progress reports to the President regularly. 


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Opening of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Parliament, Cape Town
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Chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Kgosi Thabo Milton Seatlholo, Rapulana!
Deputy Chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Inkosi Mavuso Langa, Ah! Zwelidumile,
Your Majesties, Kings and Queens,
Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Mr Amos Masondo,
Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula,
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Ms Thembi Nkadimeng,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Premiers,
Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons of Provincial Houses of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders,
The President and Deputy Presidents of Contralesa and Rolesa,
Chairperson of the National Khoi-San Council, Mr Cecil le Fleur,
Leaders of political parties,
Representatives of Chapter 9 Institutions,
Directors-General and officials,
Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen 

It is an honour for me once again to address the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders.

This is a particular important year, in which we celebrate 30 years since attaining our freedom. 

As we gather here today, we keenly feel a great void left by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who passed away last year. 

Beyond being a fount of knowledge with respect to the institution of traditional leadership, Umntwana wakwaPhindangene was always seated here, on these benches, at the annual opening of this House. 

We always would look forward to his participation in the debate and to his eloquence. He is indeed sorely missed. 

Let me take this opportunity to condemn in the strongest terms the rise in killings of traditional leaders, especially in KwaZulu-Natal. 

Our law enforcement agencies are hard at work to ensure that those responsible are brought to book.

On behalf of government, I wish to pass our deepest condolences to all families for the loss of their loved ones and to you for the loss of your colleagues. 

May their souls and those of other traditional leaders who passed on since the last opening of the House continue to rest in peace. 

Honourable Members, 

In my State of the Nation Address delivered earlier this month, I reflected on the journey we have traversed over the past 30 years since attaining our freedom. 

I outlined the indisputable gains we have made as a country not only in giving effect to the values of our noble Constitution, but in improving the lives of millions of our citizens. 

Yes, we certainly have much further to go. 

But it is incumbent on us to consolidate these gains as we chart the course for a new, better future where there is shared prosperity, true freedom and meaningful equality. We strive to achieve a society where no one is left behind. 

As a nation we can also be proud of the journey we have travelled according to the institution of traditional leadership and the stature it deserves. 

Today, our Kings are recognised as Kings as opposed to Paramount Chiefs, a term which colonial and apartheid rule introduced to make it clear that in their minds the real Kings were only those found in Europe. 

Today we have a National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders that plays an active and meaningful role in our national life. 

We do of course wish that more of our Khoi-San leaders are brought into the fold, and are formally recognised under the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act. 

The Commission on Khoi-San Matters has been appointed to receive and assess applications for recognition and make recommendations to the Minister.

This process is taking longer than was initially envisaged, but it is my humble appeal that we allow the Commission the space to continue with this complex historical mission that they have been assigned. 

Chairperson, 

As government we remain committed to working with the institution of traditional leadership in pursuit of progress and development. We did so extremely successfully during the COVID-19 pandemic, during recent floods, and in a number of other areas. 

We are working together to combat gender-based violence, the scourge that is tearing our communities apart. 

I have just returned from the annual Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, where we participated in a high-level event on promoting positive masculinity across our continent.

We need to be doing more in our communities to bring men into this effort, and focus on prevention and awareness raising. 

Personally, I have been engaging with young men through peer dialogues where they are able to speak openly about what masculinity and manhood means to them, and also commit themselves to playing their part to end gender-based violence.

I call on our male traditional leaders to be part of this effort and to start their own men’s dialogues. The influence and stature you bring to bear can and does make a difference, given the role that cultural norms and practices often play in perpetuating violence against women and girls.

Furthermore, this House’s partnership with Parliament and the SANAC Men’s Parliament is greatly appreciated, and should continue to enjoy the support of our traditional leaders.

This spirit of unity should continue as we work together to bring development to our communities. 

Chairperson, 

Climate change is a growing concern in South Africa. The recent flooding we have experienced, together with other extreme weather events, are a stark reminder that we cannot be complacent about this grave threat to both lives and livelihoods.

It is pleasing to note that the institution of traditional and Khoi-San leadership is once again playing its role to assist communities. 

I specifically wish to commend the work done by the structure of spouses and female traditional leaders called uMgogodla kaZulu during the floods that engulfed KwaZulu-Natal. 

The Ondlunkulu stood up in partnership with the Al-Imdaad, Old Mutual, Princess Gabo and Kaizer Junior Foundations and others to help those who were affected by floods. 

We appreciate this valuable work. 

I have been advised that several other provinces have formalised the structures of spouses and women traditional leaders of amaKhosi. We implore this House to continue working together with provincial houses to ensure that such structures are established and capacitated.

Drug abuse is another serious challenge in our communities. It is encouraging to note that this House is working with the Central Drug Authority to support its work. 

I urge you as this House to encourage provinces and local Houses to establish relationships with community organisations to fight the scourge of drugs together. 

We have a shared responsibility to work together to address our country’s unemployment crisis, particularly among young people

The Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, the National Youth Service and the Youth Employment Service are just some of the initiatives we are implementing that are making a difference.

I call on this House to play an active role in the ongoing process of recruiting young people into the National Rural Youth Service Corps that is being coordinated by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.

The InvestRural blueprint handed over to me by the former Chairperson of this House, the late iNkosi Mahlangu, is being fused into government programmes. 

The training of young people by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development is a practical example of this. Another is the work being done by the Department of Traditional Affairs in partnership with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy to streamline and integrate Social Labour Plans into industry operations.

The Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme coordinated by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is yet another example of positive and meaningful change being brought to rural areas. Just last month I attended the launch of one of these bridges in KwaZulu-Natal. 

To witness the difference these bridges are making in the lives of rural communities, especially for young learners who need to cross rivers to get to school, is remarkable.

I believe Minister Sihle Zikalala shared the details of this programme with this House at the Xivijo in Bloemfontein last year. 

We know that capacity building is essential if we are to enhance the role traditional leaders play in development. 

In this regard, we welcome the partnership between the Department of Traditional Affairs and the National School of Government to provide training on, among others, the facilitating socio-economic development for traditional communities.

The programme is aimed at empowering traditional leaders to act as change agents in their communities, and to transfer new knowledge and skills so we can initiate sustainable economic interventions in our rural areas.

Our goal is an active rural citizenry with our traditional leaders at the helm.

The issue of transferring communal land to traditional councils is one of great interest to this House. 

As government we are in the process of finalising the bill on communal land, which will be followed by extensive consultations. 

I know that this process is taking longer than expected, but democracy requires that we give society a voice in matters that concern them.

The challenges facing initiation should be decisively addressed. We cannot continue to have customary initiation being turned into a harmful practice. 

We need to do all in our powers as government, communities, traditional leaders, the National Initiation Oversight Committee and provincial structures to put to an end to these unnecessary and entirely avoidable deaths and injuries. 

I urge this House to continue to monitor and guide provinces and various local houses on the provisions of the Customary Initiation Act. 

We must live up to the slogan of Mabaye Baphila Babuye Baphila. 

Another matter that has been outstanding for some time in our programme is the Traditional Courts Act. I have now assented to the Act and will soon be proclaiming the date on which it comes into effect. 

In the meantime, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and the Department of Traditional Affairs have started with some of the preparatory work that will facilitate implementation. 

This includes visiting some of the traditional councils to further discuss their approaches to alternative dispute resolution and the resources they deploy in this regard. 

This is a matter on which we have finally made good progress. 

We have had concerns expressed to us by this House with regards to involving traditional leadership more in the work of the Inter-Ministerial task Team. The Deputy President and myself are seized with the matter of ensuring that members of this House are invited to workstream meetings and are able to participate more fully.

On the 29th of May, South Africans will be going to the polls to vote in our seventh democratic elections for national and provincial government.

As we prepare for this historic occasion, I once again urge traditional leaders to continue to encourage all eligible voters to register and participate in these elections. 

As we have done before, we call on traditional leaders to actively promote free and fair campaigning, and to ensure that all voters can exercise their democratic right.

May you remain with the spirit of our forebears who never retreated when challenges were facing them. Working side by side, we will move forward. 

Ke a leboga. Ngiyathokoza. Ngiyabonga. Dankie.

I thank you.

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President Ramaphosa meets with US congressional delegation
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President Cyril Ramaphosa today, 21 February 2024, received for a visit from a bipartisan congressional delegation from the United States of America, in Tuynhuys, Cape Town. The delegation is visiting South Africa at the invitation of the Aspen Institute.

The President and the US congressional delegation discussed the importance of the relationship between South Africa and the US, which manifests in strong economic, political and social ties.

“Our relationship is characterised by mutual respect and a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue even on issues where we may differ,” said President Ramaphosa.

The President further highlighted the support that the US has provided to South Africa over the years in the fight against HIV and AIDS. The PEPFAR programme has contributed significantly – and continues to contribute – to the remarkable progress South Africa has made to end HIV as a public health emergency.

President Ramaphosa emphasised the strength of bilateral relations as evidenced through several meetings and calls he has had with President Biden, official engagements between South African and US delegations which has allowed for a constructive exchange of views and further cemented the ties between the two countries.

The engagement also covered South Africa’s economic opportunities with a focus on the expansion of trade and investment ties. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) continues to present significant value to Africa’s industrialisation, integration and the diversification of the continent’s economies. AGOA provides a platform for US investors to participate in the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCTA).

On international relations, President Ramaphosa underscored South Africa’s commitment to promoting peace, security and development on the African continent and across the world. This includes South Africa’s non-aligned position that seeks to forge cordial relations with all countries and promote the resolution of conflict through dialogue.

The President emphasised the need for an inclusive negotiated settlement of the Israel-Palestinian conflict, and South Africa’s support for the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians to self-determination and statehood and of Israelis to peace and security. 

“We continue to make the call for the release of hostages, an immediate ceasefire and the urgent provision of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza and meaningful negotiations towards a lasting solution,” said President Ramaphosa.

President Ramaphosa congratulated the delegation for the upcoming celebration of 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence in July 2026 as South Africa marks 30 years of freedom and democracy.


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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Statement from the Office of the Deputy President
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The Presidency, in light of the gravity of the allegations made against Mr Mde, has decided to suspend him with immediate effect with full emoluments. 
 
Mr Mde has assured us of his willingness to cooperate with the investigation and the entire process to clear his name. 
 
The decision to suspend Mr Mde is also to ensure that the alleged victim feels protected during this process.
 
In this regard, the Deputy President's office would like to make the following announcements: 
- Firstly, Ms Itumeleng Mafatshe, Director of Content Development and Speech Writing, will act as the Chief Director for the Communications unit. 
- Secondly, the Deputy President has appointed Mr Keith Khoza, his political advisor, to act as his Spokesperson. 

 
Media enquiries: Keith Khoza on +27 66 195 8840
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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