Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), will on Sunday, 01 December 2024, lead the official commemoration of World AIDS Day event, scheduled to take place at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium, Mdantsane Township, East London, in the Eastern Cape Province.

World AIDS Day is commemorated annually across the globe in solidarity with the millions of people living with HIV and to raise awareness about the status of the epidemic, with a view to encourage HIV prevention, treatment, and care.

The 2024 commemorations will take place under the theme, ‘Equal Rights, Equal Care’’, a call for equal, equitable and dignified access to healthcare for all South Africans regardless of their economic status, gender, race or sexuality.

In line with the Global Theme, “To Protect Everyone’s Health, Protect Everyone’s Rights*”, South Africa joins the global community in anchoring the World AIDS Day 2024 commemorations, on the protection of everyone’s right to receive universal access to quality health care for all its citizens.  

This is in line with the principles of the newly enacted National Health Insurance (NHI) model, which is a transformative policy aimed at addressing the inequalities in South Africa’s healthcare system.

Deputy President Mashatile will lead the commemoration alongside the SANAC Civil Society Chairperson, Mr. Solly Nduku; SANAC Private Sector Chairperson, Ms Nompumelelo Zikalala; Minister of Health, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi; Eastern Cape Premier, Mr Oscar Mabuyane; as well as representatives from development partners such as the UN Agencies (UNAIDS, UNICEF, WHO), US Government Agencies (CDC, PEPFAR, USAID), research entities, civil society movements, the private sector and community members.
 
Members of the media are invited to cover the events as follows:
 
Build-up Event: Mrs Humile Mashatile, in her capacity as Patron of the Global Alliance, will participate at the Launch of the Eastern Cape Provincial Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children by 2030
 
Date: Saturday, 30 November 2024
Time: 09h00 – 13h00
Site Visit: Bumb'INGOMSO, Old Cecilia Makhiwane Hospital
Main Event: Masizakhe Child and Youth Care Centre
 
Main event: Official World AIDS Day Commemoration
 
Date: Sunday, 01 December 2024
Time: 09h00
Venue: Sisa Dukashe Stadium, Mdantsane, Buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape.
 
Media Programme:
 
09h30 - Photo-Opportunity on arrival of Deputy President Mashatile at the Cecilia Makiwane Hospital, Mdantsane
10h30 – Media in attendance during the Hand-over of the Memorandum to the Deputy President and Minister of Health by the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC)
12h00 – World AIDS Day Message by Deputy President Mashatile
 
For media accreditation, please complete the attached Media Accreditation Form.xlsx and submit to Mr. Simangaliso Motsepe on simangaliso@sanac.org.za
 
For media interviews, please contact:
 
1. The Presidency – Sam Bopape on Matome@presidency.gov.za / 082 318 5251
2. SANAC – Nelson Dlamini on nelson@sanac.org.za / 078 731 0313
3. National Department of Health – Foster Mohale on foster.mohale@health.gov.za / 072 432 3792

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 29 November 2024, honour athletes who successfully represented South Africa at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The President will lead celebrations of South Africa’s medallists at a ceremony at the Union Buildings.

The ceremony will recognise the excellence demonstrated by top athletes as well as the organisational effort by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee to prepare Team South Africa for the Games.

Team South Africa featured 147 athletes at the Paris Olympics Games, which took place from 26 July to 11 August 2024, and 32 athletes at the Paris Summer Paralympics Games from 28 August to 08 September 2024.

A total of 12 medals were achieved for the respective games, six each for the Olympics (one Gold, three Silver and two Bronze) and Paralympics (two Gold, and four Bronze).
 
The appreciation ceremony will include the conferring of awards to deserving athletes and their coaches as well as the Shield of Jove, which is the highest South African recognition in sports achievement following the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
 
The ceremony will take place as follows:
 
Date: Friday, 29 November 2024
Time: 11h00 (media to arrive at 09h00)
Venue: East Wing Court, Union Buildings
 
Members of the media interested in covering the ceremony at the Union Buildings are encouraged to fill in the attached Media Accreditation Form - OLYMPIANS AND PARALYMPIANS RECOGNITION CEREMONY MEDIA ACCREDITATION.xlsx - and send it to Sydwell Mabasa on Sydwell@presidency.gov.za  and Makungu Mbetse on Makungu@presidency.gov.za by 14h00 on Wednesday, 27 November 2024.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will, on Monday 25 November 2024, attend the National Launch of 16 Days of Activism for no Violence Against Women and Children campaign which will take place at the Rustenburg Local Municipality, in the North West Province.

This year's activation will be held under the theme “30 Years of advancing collective action to end violence against women and children’’, with the sub-theme for the campaign being “Harnessing technology and innovation to combat Gender-Based Violence and accelerate a gender inclusive digital economy”.
 
Achieving meaningful change requires a cultural shift that challenges ingrained attitude and stereotypes about gender equality across all spheres of society, while denouncing societal norms that perpetuate Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.

The Deputy President will be joined by the Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga, supported by the Department of Social Development, the North West Provincial Government, the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders and multilateral bodies.

Media programme:
Date: Monday, 25 November 2024

Part 1: Visit to a GBV Shelter
Time: 08h00
Venue: Rustenburg GBV Shelter
 
Part 2: GBV Walk
Time:09h00
Venue: The starting point is the Taxi precinct, Heystek street to “midpointe” Rustenburg Public Library
 
Part 3: Formal Programme
Time: 11h00
Venue: Rustenburg Civic Centre
 
For more information and accreditation, please contact Mr William Baloyi from the GCIS on 083 390 7147.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Programme Director, Ms Sakina Kamwendo,
Minister of Small Business Development, Ms Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams,
Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Ms Jane Sithole,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
MECs and Councillors,
Representatives of business, labour and civil society,
Sponsors,
Finalists,
Distinguished Guests, 
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure to be here. 

The Presidential MSME and Cooperatives Awards recognise excellence in one of the most important areas of our economy.

Micro, small and medium enterprises and cooperatives together form a vital part of our economy with immense growth potential.

Whether they are small businesses in townships or cooperatives in rural areas, whether they are well established or just starting out, these businesses are integral to the future of our economy.

The broad range of the industries represented in these awards showcases the dynamism and versatility of this sector. 

As in years gone by, our finalists include innovators, designers, tech-pioneers, consultancies, farmers, financial services providers and so much more.

This should dispel misconceptions about small businesses fitting a particular mould, being confined to particular localities or industries, or about their abilities to operate at scale.

These awards recognise best practice. They show that small businesses can and are operating as efficiently and soundly as any large corporation. 

We know that small businesses have been in the news of late. 

The recent spate of food-borne illnesses that have been linked to spaza shops and informal traders in townships has thrown into sharp relief issues of regulation, health and safety. 

At the same time, the issue has highlighted the critical role small businesses play in communities, providing much-needed services and supporting local economies. 

That is why it is so important to bring small businesses into the mainstream of the economy, and that we provide the necessary support for them to do this. 

International experience shows that MSMEs are drivers of sustainable growth.

Countries with more MSMEs tend to have lower levels of inequality. 

Entrepreneurs are the drivers of innovation.  

However, rates of entrepreneurship in South Africa are low by continental standards. 

According to the 2022 Africa Youth Survey, more than one in five working-age persons in Africa has started a new business. More than three-quarters of young people in Africa plan to start one in the next five years.

By contrast, the most recent Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report on South Africa found that the percentage of adults intending to start a new business in the next three years declined to 10 percent in 2023. This is the lowest proportion in twenty years. 

This is a worrying trend at a time when economic growth remains constrained and when there is limited capacity in the economy to absorb the high number of unemployed people. 

It is therefore essential that we encourage entrepreneurship.

It is vital that we enable the emergence and growth of MSMEs and cooperatives.

We must focus on targeted interventions to address financial exclusion and onerous regulatory requirements.

We must provide access to funding, capacity building and other support.

The success of the finalists here this evening show that with the right support, small businesses can succeed, expand and be sustainable.

The Government of National unity has made inclusive growth and job creation our apex priority. 

Supporting small enterprises is an integral part of these efforts.

The National Planning Commission estimates that we need 5.8 million MSMEs to meet our job creation targets. 

This means we need to double the number of MSMEs in our country.

We are encouraged by the efforts underway to capacitate the sector.

One of these is the merging of SEFA, SEDA and the Cooperatives Bank Development Agency into the newly-formed Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency.

Of the R730 million disbursed by the new Agency to date, R101 million has gone to township enterprises and R261 million to rural enterprises. 

The Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency has also provided non-financial business support to more than 15,000 township and rural enterprises. 

Legislation is in the pipeline to streamline business licensing. 

An e-registration system that integrates the work of the South African Revenue Service and the CIPC is under development.

If we are to fully unlock entrepreneurial potential, there must be a razor-sharp focus on start-up growth, especially in the burgeoning tech sector.

We must ensure that we are not left behind in the global transition to knowledge and innovation-based economies. 

As part of this, we must scale up the adoption of advances like mobile payments and digitised record-keeping by small businesses.

We are encouraged by the work of the Department of Small Business Development and the Department of Science and Innovation around a national start-up policy.

Among other things, this policy will deal with issues such as intellectual property registration and foreign exchange controls.

Even as this is all work in progress, we recognise the urgency with which we must scale up support for small businesses in South Africa. 

They are the driving force of our economy.

The finalists and recipients of this year’s awards are a shining example of what can be achieved.

Allow me to congratulate all the winners and runners-up. 

You have done well. 

You are a fine example to other South Africans who want to follow their entrepreneurial dreams. 

I would like to thank the organisers of tonight’s awards and our generous sponsors. 

Lastly, I would like to thank the millions of entrepreneurs who make our country work and our economy grow. 

These are the micro, small and medium enterprises and cooperatives that create livelihoods and jobs. 

They provide communities with vital services. 

They create value that goes far beyond turnover or profit.

They contribute in a million different ways to building a more equal, more prosperous and more productive society.

These awards are a celebration of all the entrepreneurs in a country.

It is a token of our gratitude and admiration.

I thank you.
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded the inaugural Presidential Infrastructure Commission Council under the 7th administration. The Council convened to discuss amongst others, a plan on dealing with crime and extortion at construction sites, the level of implementation of priority infrastructure projects and programmes, as well as strategic initiatives that are being developed to accelerate the pace and quality of infrastructure investments in the country.

The Council is constituted by the President, Deputy President, Ministers designated by the President, Premiers of Provinces, Executive Mayors of Metropolitan Councils and the chairperson of the South African Local Government Association. Per the Infrastructure Development Act, the Council is tasked with, inter alia:

* Coordinating the development, maintenance, implementation and monitoring of the national infrastructure plan;

* Coordinating the determination of priorities for infrastructure development;

* Ensuring that infrastructure development in respect of any strategic integrated project is given priority in planning, approval and implementation;

* Ensuring co-operation between organs of state affected by projects undertaken;

* Promoting investment and identifying and develop strategies to cause the removal of impediments to investment;

“This administration has prioritised scaling up investment in infrastructure as we seek to grow the economy, create more jobs, improve access to basic services, and improve the quality of life of our citizens. Continuing the work of the sixth administration, we are working to involve the private sector in achieving our infrastructure development goals. It is encouraging that after a period of declining infrastructure spend, public sector capital expenditure is on the rise for the second straight year. According to Statistics SA, last year public sector institutions had a combined capital expenditure of R233 billion. This is an 11 per cent increase on the previous year”, said President Ramaphosa.

Implementation of Strategic Integrated Projects

The Council noted that there are 19 Completed Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) valued at R26 billion, of these projects 6 are in Transport, 3 in Water and Sanitation, 1 in Energy, 4 in Human settlements and 5 in Student accommodation. Currently, 82 projects valued at R437 billion are in construction.

In addition to providing technical assistance and resources to help project sponsors prepare comprehensive business cases, ensuring they are economically viable and socially beneficial, Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) has played a pivotal role in supporting project sponsors to expedite approvals, authorisations, licenses, permissions and exemptions with relevant authority. Over 654 requests for regulatory unblocking were lodged with ISA between 2020 and 2024, to date 497 approvals have been granted and 157 are currently in progress. 

The Total project value of SIP projects gazetted between 2020 and 2024 has grown to 3 Trillion Rands with the key drivers being the Eskom Programme (SIP 8, 9 and 10), the Embedded Generation National Programme and the Green Hydrogen National Programme (SIP 20E)

Aiding Municipalities

The Council agreed that there is a need to enhance the Municipal infrastructure service delivery model using ISA’s methodology, which emphasizes project preparation using the five (5) Case Model, planning and prioritisation, development of business cases, mobilisation of funds from private and public sectors, implementation of innovative solutions and effective monitoring. This model will be piloted in four local municipalities and leverage external resources & technical capacity stemming from local and international partners.

The following four Municipalities will benefit from the “adopt a municipality” pilot initiative: Govan Mbeki Local Municipality in Mpumalanga, Kagisano-Molopo Local Municiapity in the North West, Umngeni Municipality in Kwa-Zulu Natal and Metsemaholo Local Municipality in the Free State.

This initiative, spearheaded by ISA, will address critical service delivery challenges including persistent incomplete projects and infrastructure issues. ISA aims to drive urgent improvements over the next 24 months, with some projects being completed during this timeframe. ISA will hold further consultations on the next cohort of municipalities to be added to the initiative.
 

Crime and Extortion on Construction Sites

The Council has lauded the contribution of the construction industry to job growth in the second and third quarters. According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey released by Statistics South Africa, the construction sector added 176,000 jobs, playing a pivotal role in reducing the national unemployment rate by 1.4% in the third quarter.

To this end, the construction industry is vital for socio-economic development, employment, and infrastructure improvement and therefore crime and extortion on construction sites must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. The Council noted efforts by the police in addressing criminal and extortion cases.

The Council further noted that there is an indication of increasing trends in criminal activities on construction sites despite governments efforts to embed social facilitation and involve law enforcement. Effective mitigation will require coordinated efforts from all stakeholders.

The Council has made the following recommendations on the matter:
. That Law Enforcement be allocated more resources to deal with criminal activity and violence on construction sites
. That policy reforms in the construction sector be prioritised.
. That Industry adopt best practices in social facilitation and invest in security measures.
. That infrastructure project leads enhance community engagement and encourage communities to actively participate in project planning.

Programme of Action for the PICC Council in the 7th Administration

The PICC Council has identified 8 pathways to driving infrastructure investment and growth in the next 5 years. These pathways will underpin the infrastructure investment plan of the 7th administration.

The 8 Pathways include:

Pathway 1: Institutional Coordination
Affirming Infrastructure South Africa as a Single Point of Entry for priority infrastructure projects

Pathway 2: Centralised Planning and Prioritisation
Establish a gateway mechanism for projects and programme that are deemed strategic/catalytic

Pathway 3: Budget Reforms
Accelerate the Implementation of Broader Reforms to enable infrastructure investment

Pathway 4: Address Regulatory Bottlenecks
Streamline regulatory and approval processes to fast-track implementation of infrastructure projects

Pathway 5: Municipal Bulk Infrastructure
Address funding and financing of municipal bulk infrastructure

Pathway 6: Unlocking other sources of funding
Increase and diversify sources of funding for both project preparation and infrastructure funding & financing

Pathway 7: Economic Regulation in Construction
Strengthen regulatory framework governing construction industry
 
Pathway 8: Cancellation of tenders, social unrest, damage to infrastructure and crime 
Improving governance of infrastructure projects and ensure close collaboration with law enforcement agencies

 
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa on media@presidency.gov.za 
OR
Ms Nombulelo Nyathela
CD External Relations and Communications at Infrastructure South Africa
+27605034933/ NombuleloN@infrastructuresa.org

Issued by: The Presidency 
Pretoria
 

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, in his capacity as the Patron of the Vincent Tshabalala Education Trust, will tomorrow, Friday 22 November 2024, join the 20th Anniversary of the Education Trust. 

The Deputy President has been the Chairperson of the Vincent Tshabalala Education Trust since its foundation in 2004 and stepped down to now be its Patron. 

The non-profit organisation has provided bursaries to more than 630 bursars, produced 215 graduates, with 180 learners supported through TVET training as well as provided infrastructure improvements to five high schools, namely KwaBhekilanga, East Bank, Alexandra, Minerva and Realogile.

Some of the key tasks for the Trust in 2024 include memorialising the life of Vincent Tshabalala through public lectures and expanding sports, arts and culture initiatives in the community. 

Details of the 20th Anniversary Dinner are as follows:
Date: Friday, 22 November 2024
Time: 18h30 for 19h00
Venue: Killarney Country Club, Johannesburg

Media enquiries: Mr Louis Seeco, VTET on 082 652 8999 or Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 22 November 2024 address the National Presidential MSME & Cooperatives Awards ceremony at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand.

This premier event is dedicated to recognising outstanding Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Cooperatives and is hosted by the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD).

The awards aim to spotlight and reward the achievements of South Africa’s top-performing MSMEs, Cooperatives, and ecosystem enablers who drive growth and transformation across the nation.

This ceremony will honour businesses that embody innovation, commitment to local development, and entrepreneurial spirit. The selected finalists have advanced through rigorous district and provincial pitches and demonstrated their excellence and resilience across various categories.

This year’s finalists are an eclectic group of companies that span various key sectors of the economy in both the formal and informal businesses. These small businesses have also shown a lot of creativity, ingenuity, and resilience in penetrating sectors that are normally hard to enter.

Categories for this year’s MSME Awards include, but not limited to:
- Youth-Led MSME of the Year
- Township SMME of the Year
- Women-led SMME of the Year
- MSMEs Owned by Persons with Disabilities of the Year
- Cooperative of the Year
- Best Employing Cooperative of the Year
- Best Performing Rural Community-Based Initiative of the Year
- Best Performing Urban (Township) Community-Based Initiative of the Year
Small Businesses are a strategic tool for economic transformation, inclusive economic growth and job creation in South Africa. This celebration is a testament to the remarkable achievements of MSMEs and cooperatives, which have shown resilience and adaptability, particularly in challenging economic conditions.

The 2024 National Presidential MSME & Cooperatives Awards ceremony will take place during Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), an initiative celebrated in over 200 countries to inspire and empower entrepreneurs around the world.

GEW highlights innovative solutions and resilient businesses that shape economies and enrich societies, resonating with the core values of the National Presidential MSME & Cooperatives Awards.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will officiate the award hand out ceremony to the winners, underscoring the importance of MSME development in advancing South Africa’s broader economic goals.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has requested the National Assembly to consider afresh the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Amendment (RICA) Bill out of concern by the President that the draft law may be vulnerable to constitutional challenge.
 
The President has conveyed his concern in writing to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, and has brought this referral to the attention of relevant Ministers.
 
According to section 79(1) of the Constitution, the President must either assent to and sign a Bill referred to him or her by the National Assembly or, if he or she has reservations about the constitutionality of the Bill, refer it back to the National Assembly for reconsideration.
 
The National Assembly has passed the bill and referred it to the President for assent.
 
President Ramaphosa is, however, concerned that a number of constitutional matters in the Bill passed by Parliament, require reconsideration so that this important statute achieves its intended purpose without the risk of being set aside by the courts.
 
Having considered the Bill as well as the 2021 Constitutional Court judgment in Amabhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism and Others v Minister of Justice and Correctional Services and Others, President Ramaphosa has expressed his reservations about the constitutionality of the Bill for the following reasons:
 
In the President’s view, the Bill remains unconstitutional insofar as decisions in terms of section 25A(2)(b) of the draft law may lead to a subject of surveillance never being notified of the surveillance.
 
The President also believes the legislation is deficient insofar as no review is possible of a decision in terms of section 25A(2)(b) to indefinitely suspend post­surveillance notification obligations.
 
The President also wishes to see the legislation provide adequate safeguards to address the fact that interception directions and notification suspension applications are sought and obtained ex parte (in the interests of one side or party only).
 
President Ramaphosa has requested the National Assembly to consider the Bill afresh so that its objectives can be realised speedily and without the risk of any constitutional challenge.
 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed interim board members for the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) with effect from 1 December 2024 until a new board is appointed.
 
The President has made these appointments in terms of Section 10(8)(c) of the National Youth Development Agency Act of 2008, as amended.
 
The NYDA is mandated by law to develop and implement an Integrated Youth Development Strategy (IYDS) for South Africa and to initiate, design, coordinate, evaluate and monitor all programmes that aim to integrate the youth into the economy and society in general.
 
These programmes entail alleviating poverty, urban and rural development, and the combating of crime, substance abuse and social decay among youth.
 
To ensure continuity in the work of the National Youth Development Agency while a process to appoint a permanent board is underway, President Ramaphosa has appointed the following interim board members:
 
* Ms Asanda Luwaca
* Mr Avela Mjajubana
* Ms Karabo Mohale
* Ms Lebo Mulaisi
* Mr Thulisa Ndlela
* Ms Pearl Pillay
* Ms Alexandria Procter
 
In terms of Section 10(9) of the National Youth Development Agency Act, President Ramaphosa has designated Ms Luwaca as the Chairperson of the interim board, with Ms Mohale serving as Deputy Chairperson.
 
President Ramaphosa wishes the interim board well in their strategic direction of the development of the nation’s young people during their term of office.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Your Excellency, President Mr Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, 
Heads of State and Government of the G20 Members and Invited Countries,
Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr António Guterres,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
It is an honour to accept, on behalf of the people of South Africa, the responsibility of the Presidency of the G20 for the next year.
 
I congratulate President Lula da Silva and Brazil on a most successful G20 Presidency. 
 
I wish to thank my good friend of many years, President Lula, for his inspirational leadership.
 
We commend Brazil for elevating the participation of social and civil society groups in the work of the G20 by convening the first ever G20 Social Summit.
 
South Africa firmly believes that civil society serves as a bridge between the G20 leaders and the people who have the greatest interest in their deliberations. 
 
We will continue with this innovative platform for engagement during our Presidency.
 
This is in line with our own traditions as South Africa to involve civil society formations in all matters of importance to the people of the country.
 
It was through the actions of civil society formations in South Africa that we were able to end apartheid and achieve our democracy.
 
Through its Presidency, Brazil has effectively contributed to ‘Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet’. 
 
The work undertaken throughout the Brazilian Presidency has addressed some of the most pressing global challenges of our time. 
 
We welcome the heightened focus on the development agenda through the lens of developing economy countries. 
 
South Africa expresses its gratitude to Brazil and the rest of the G20 membership for the opportunity to build upon the excellent work led by Brazil.
 
We applaud all G20 members, led by Brazil, in finalising the G20 Rio de Janeiro Leaders’ Declaration, which outlines the actions we must take together to build a better world.
 
We appreciate that once sufficient consensus was reached on the Declaration, those members who still had points of disagreement did not stand in the way of the adoption of the Declaration.
 
As South Africa, we undertake to advance the work of the G20 towards achieving greater global economic growth and sustainable development.
 
We will work to ensure that no one is left behind. 
 
The world is faced with severe challenges and crises.
 
These are exacerbated by the fragility of global solidarity, crippling underdevelopment and deepening inequality.
 
Yet, throughout the years of its existence, the G20 has always sought to confront global challenges head on.
 
Through partnerships across society, and by reigniting our common humanity, South Africa will seek to harness global collective energy to confront these challenges.
 
South Africa has adopted the G20 Presidency theme of ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’. 
 
In line with this theme, we will seek to strengthen and advance our common pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Pact for the Future. 
 
The achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 must be a priority for the next five Presidencies of the G20. 
 
Through our G20 Presidency, we will seek to strengthen solidarity.
 
Whether it is in Gaza, Sudan or Ukraine, we must all stand in solidarity with those people who are facing hardship and suffering.
 
We must stand in solidarity with those countries that are most vulnerable to pandemics and other global public health emergencies.
 
At this moment, many countries in Africa are experiencing worsening m-pox outbreaks that call for urgent international action.
 
Through our G20 Presidency, we will work to tackle inequality, which is a major threat to global economic growth and stability. 
 
The disparities in wealth and development within and between countries is unjust and unsustainable.
 
These disparities show themselves in the lack of predictable and sustainable financing and capacity building for climate action.
 
Inequality is manifested in the crippling debt that has forced many countries to forgo their developmental programmes to service exorbitant debt.
 
South Africa’s Presidency will be the first time an African country has presided over the G20. We will use this moment to bring the development priorities of the African Continent and the Global South more firmly onto the agenda of the G20. 
 
South Africa’s G20 Presidency will advance three high-level priorities, which will find expression in the work of the Sherpa and Finance Tracks.
 
The first of these priorities is Inclusive Economic Growth, Industrialisation, Employment and Inequality.
 
The second priority is Food Security.
 
The third priority is Artificial Intelligence and Innovation for Sustainable Development.
 
South Africa looks forward to working with all G20 members and invited guests.
 
We will continue to work with partner countries and multilateral institutions. 
 
Approximately 130 meetings of the G20 will take place across our country, and I am honoured to welcome you all to South Africa for the year ahead. 
 
Lastly, I invite you to view a brief introductory video launching South Africa’s G20 Presidency. 
 
I thank you.