Category: President of South Africa

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa concluded his official visit to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), yesterday Saturday,  02 December 2023. 

The President is satisfied with the level of engagements at COP28, including the resulting outcome of setting up a loss and damage fund. 

“South Africa applauds the landmark decision of COP28 to operationalise the new fund on loss and damage, and welcomes the pledges that have already been made. We would like to see the fund growing along with the implementation of all other commitments that have been made thus far”, said President Cyril Ramaphosa

President Ramaphosa also presented to the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, South Africa’s Implementation Plan of the Just Energy Transition (JET) Investment Plan. The plan has also been shared with some of the JET Partners who have committed up to 8.5 billion US Dollars towards South Africa’s efforts in decarbonising the economy and mitigating the effects of climate change.

President Ramaphosa has called for more countries to participate in efforts to end the effects of climate change in developing economy countries.

“We are calling for more countries to participate, as our Just  Energy Transition Plan requires much more funding, so that we can enable a more effective and positively impactful transition, particularly with respect to communities that are going to be affected as we transit from fossil fuel sources of energy to renewables. 

As the Summit continues in the next two weeks we want to see sharper focus coming from developed economies with respect to living up to their Paris commitments. We still expect the 100 billion dollars that was promised to be made available to support countries that are least responsible for climate damage manage the effects of climate change”, said President Ramaphosa.

The President asserted the role of multilateralism and solidarity as central to global climate action and cautioned against unilateral, coercive and trade-distorting approaches, such as carbon adjustment measures that are going to be severely  detrimental to developing economies. 

The Conference underway, commenced on 30 November and will end on 12 December 2023, brings together world leaders to discuss progress and ambition across all pillars of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as adopted in the Paris Agreement in 2015. 

The Conference seeks to provide momentum and guidance for the remainder of the COP and is presided over by COP28 President-Designate Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber of the United Arab Emirates.

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy will lead the country’s participation for the remainder of the Conference until 12 December 2023.

South Africa’s participation at the Conference is in the context of its national determination as set out in the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan, to significantly reduce emission in line with the Paris Agreement adopted in 2015.   

COP28 presents an opportunity to fast-track the energy transition by building the energy system of the future, while rapidly decarbonising the current energy system to keep 1.5°C target within reach.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Source: President of South Africa –

President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermudez,
Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government,

I wish to convey my appreciation to Cuba for convening the Group of 77 and China at Summit level for the first time.

May I also take this opportunity to thank you, Mr President, for Cuba’s outstanding leadership of the Group over the past year.

Climate change is a threat whose effects are being felt across the globe with increasing intensity. 

Every region and country represented in this group is already experiencing the impact of climate change and its associated loss and damage.

This means that we need to stand together in solidarity, to support each other and to speak with one voice at COP 28. 

We need to contribute our best efforts and to act with urgency.

Transformative climate action is taking place alongside our efforts to eradicate poverty and inequality. 

We should therefore coordinate our positions on the transformation of the global financial architecture and reform of the multilateral development banks so that they can support sustainable development.

This COP28 must build on the breakthrough at the African COP in Sharm el-Sheikh last year, in which climate action was presented not only as an integral part of broader sustainable development, but also as part of a just transition. 

The vision of Sharm el-Sheikh is of a whole-of-society and all-of-economy transition to achieve more equitable and sustainable societies, within a more just world. 

Climate justice is premised on each Party having the sovereign right to choose its own developmental pathway towards shared objectives. 

This speaks to the right of developing economies to developmental space.

Since developing economy countries are the least responsible for climate change but the most affected, it is critical that the enabling means of implementation support is provided by countries with developed economies.

The G77 and China, representing the overwhelming majority of the world’s population who live in developing economies, has the opportunity to infuse this vision into the mandate and scope of the new work programme on Just Transition Pathways.

We have the opportunity at COP28 to secure a successful first Global Stock-Take under the Paris Agreement; to give an honest account of the successes and challenges experienced to date; and to provide forward-looking recommendations.

I would further suggest that the exporters of the strategic minerals and rare earths required to drive green development need to work together to ensure that the new economy is fairer, more equitable and offers equal opportunity for all. 

Our natural resources need to advance the sustainable development of our people. 

We need to address the issue of skills and technology transfer. Access to climate change adaptation and mitigation technologies should not be commercially driven but seen as a global public good.

We should forge a united platform against unilateral coercive and trade distorting measures under the guise of climate action. These include carbon border taxes that have the effect of reversing climate finance flows to the Global North.

We need to reframe the climate action narrative to better address the realities of developing economy countries, to give appropriate recognition to their rights and to acknowledge their contributions to the global fight against this existential threat. 

I thank you.

Source: President of South Africa –

Source: President of South Africa –

The Presidency and affected departments note the judgement handed down by the Pretoria High Court on the matter between the UDM, others and Eskom, others. 

The Presidency is studying the judgement and will in due course pronounce on further steps on the matter.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Source: President of South Africa –

Co-Programme Directors – Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane and Provincial Civil Society Chairperson, Mr Patrick Mdletshe,
Our gracious host – KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, who is also the Chairperson of the Provincial Council on AIDS,
Minister of Health – Dr. Joe Phaahla,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers present,
SANAC Co-Chairperson and Chairperson of the SANAC Civil Society Forum – Ms. Steve Letsike,
Deputy Chairperson of the SANAC Private Sector Forum – Dr. Tshegofatso Gopane,
The UN Resident Coordinator – Mr Nelson Muffuh,
The Patron of Global Alliance South Africa Chapter – Ms Humile Mashatile
The United States Ambassador to South Africa – Dr. Reuben Brigety, and the rest of the esteemed US Government delegation,
Representative of COSATU – Mr Pat Mphela;
SANAC CEO – Dr. Thembisile Xulu,
Traditional and Religious leaders present,
All the children who have joined us today,
Members of the media,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Sanibonani eMandeni! Ninjani!

Today, we join the world to commemorate World AIDS Day. This day provides us with an opportunity to strengthen our solidarity and unity of purpose in the fight against HIV, to support those living with HIV, and to remember those who succumbed to AIDS-related illnesses.

This day also serves as a reflection on progress made in response to the HIV epidemic and raises awareness about the challenges remaining towards achieving the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.

The theme for this year’s commemoration is “Let Communities Lead”. This theme urges all of us as stakeholders, and communities to redouble our efforts and invest in community-led interventions and community-centred approaches in responding to the HIV epidemic.

This theme also encourages communities to address inequalities such as poverty, discrimination, and inadequate access to services, particularly for vulnerable communities like women, transgender persons, sex workers, persons with disabilities, and children.

Communities must actively participate in strategic interventions to combat stigma, discrimination, and human rights violations affecting individuals infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

History demonstrates that when communities unite, any challenge can be overcome. Our combined strengths can help us achieve the goal of eliminating HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis as public health threats.

Active civil society participation has been crucial in the HIV response globally and in our country, leading to significant progress in areas like access to prevention, treatment, care, and support, as well as outreach for vulnerable populations.

An additional area that necessitates strong oversight from civil society is the pervasive problem of gender-based violence and femicide, the correlation of which is universally recognised with HIV.

In this regard, in the past two weeks, I had the opportunity to interact with men during the National Men’s Parliament in Limpopo Province on issues related to gender-based violence and femicide.

I stand here deeply encouraged by the efforts of the Takuwani Riime Men’s Movement which is coordinated by the SANAC Men’s Sector, and has demonstrated commitment to establishing community men’s parliaments in every village, township, suburb, and community in South Africa, thus ensuring a responsive men’s movement.

This movement seeks to mobilise men and boys to stand up and be counted in the country’s efforts against mental health in men, gender-based violence and femicide, new HIV infections, and toxic masculinity, and for men to be drivers of the positive socialisation of the boy child.

We also recently launched the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children in Mpumalanga Province. As government, we urge communities to work with us in eradicating the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide in our society. We should work together to get rid of patriarchy, economic inequality, insensitive social norms, and harmful cultural practices. The scourge of gender-based violence is detrimental to our efforts towards the achievement of the global Sustainable Development Goals, as well as to our very own National Development Plan.

Fellow South Africans,

One of the key build-up activities for this year’s World AIDS Day was the launch of the sixth South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence, and Behavioural Survey done by the Human Sciences Research Council.

According to this survey, there are about 7.8 million people living with HIV in our country, which is a decrease from 14% in 2017 to 12.7% in 2022.

While the results clearly show that the prevalence of HIV is declining, there are some worrying patterns regarding the age group between the ages of 25 and 49 years. Among females, HIV prevalence was highest in ages 35 to 39 years at 34.2%, whereas among males, HIV prevalence was highest in ages 45 to 49 years at 27.1%.

Furthermore, there is reason for concern about the increased incidence of HIV infection among adolescent girls aged 15 to 19, since it is an indication that older men engage in unprotected sexual activities with girls and young women.

We must take extraordinary measures as a society to protect kids against immoral predators.

We must ensure that children have a safe environment to discuss the issues influencing their sexual conduct and the pressures they are under.

We must stand with them and educate them about their rights and sexual health.

Furthermore, while acknowledging the significant advancements in HIV treatment cascades at a broad level, our deepest concerns persist regarding the lack of access to treatment by HIV-positive children, young people, and men.

The survey shows that, in 2022, among the people aged 15 years and older who were living with HIV in South Africa; 90% of them were aware of their status; 91% of those who were aware of their status were on antiretroviral therapy, and 94% of those on treatment were virally suppressed.

We may not have met the 90-90-90 targets of December 2020, but we are confident that we will meet the 95-95-95 targets of December 2025, and be well on our way to fulfilling our commitment towards Agenda 2030.

In this regard, we launched the new National Strategic Plan for 2023 – 2028 earlier in March this year during World TB Day. This National Strategic Plan places people and communities at the centre of its efforts to overcome inequities in the country’s response to HIV, TB, and STIs and to end AIDS.

Since the Districts of King Cetshwayo, Ugu, uMkhanyakude, and uMzinyathi were the first districts in the nation to achieve the 90-90-90 targets ahead of schedule in this province of Kwa-Zulu Natal, we are confident that this is a goal that is attainable.

It was in uMkhanyakude where we launched the new cost-effective and client-friendly HIV treatment regimen called “TLD”, which is one tablet once a day, with fewer side effects and highly efficient in achieving viral suppression. Our primary objective as a government is to integrate all facets of an individual’s healthcare into a unified system, ensuring that everyone consistently gets quality medical care.

Another game-changer in our progressive treatment literacy efforts is the integration of the U=U (Undetectable equals Untransmittable) concept into our policy framework.

It simply means that, if a person takes their treatment consistently without fail, they will achieve ongoing viral suppression until the level of the virus drops to below 50 copies per millilitre. At that point, you are classified as having an undetectable viral load, indicating that you cannot pass the virus on to your sexual partner.

However, we advocate for safe sex since being undetectable will not prevent you from passing on a sexually transmitted infection to your partner or having an unplanned pregnancy.

As a country, we are struggling with retaining people on treatment, which is the second 95, however, U=U is one of the key interventions that will assist us with treatment initiation and retention.

It will also encourage people living with HIV to strive for an undetectable viral load status, thus enabling them to enjoy a longer, healthier life by combating stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.

Stigma and prejudice can be as traumatic as the illness itself, leading to partner or family rejection, social marginalisation, school expulsion, denial of medical services, a lack of care and support, and violence.

We encourage our community leaders to engage our communities in order to alter societal attitudes and customs, some of which are influenced by our upbringing.

Fellow South Africans,

This year’s World AIDS Day commemoration revolves around the launch of the South African Chapter of the Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children by 2030, which is led by the Alliance’s national patron, Ms. Humile Mashatile.  

As I mentioned earlier, we are concerned with HIV treatment gaps in children. Children living with HIV aged 15 years and below are left behind in the global HIV response when compared to the general population.

Globally, only 52% of children who are living with HIV are on lifesaving treatment, compared to 76% of the adult population. This has resulted in children accounting for 15% of AIDS-related deaths on an annual basis, despite the fact that only 4% of the total number of People Living with HIV are children.

Stigma, discrimination, punitive laws and policies, violence, and gender inequalities in Eastern and Southern Africa remain some of the barriers that hinder access to treatment, care, and support for women, girls, and children.

Unfortunately, South Africa has the largest population of children living with HIV in the world, and as of June 2023, our treatment coverage for children is alarmingly low, coming in at 67%.

This statistic undoubtedly raises concerns and emphasizes the urgent need for increased efforts and resources to guarantee that every child who is HIV-positive receives the care and treatment they require.

In response to this challenge, and with governments in the lead, UNAIDS has coordinated United Nations agencies, including UNICEF and WHO, as well as other development partners such as PEPFAR and the Global Fund, together with civil society, in the establishment of the Global Alliance to end AIDS in Children by 2030.

The proclamation was first made at the 24th International AIDS Conference held in Canada in 2022. South Africa was among the first twelve countries to join this Alliance. As the South African government, we are determined to fulfill our commitment to end AIDS in children through:

● Strengthening case finding among HIV-exposed infants and children,
● Scaling up the initiation of the TLD regimen to pregnant and breastfeeding women as per the revised clinical guidelines.
● Strengthening regular retesting of pregnant and breastfeeding women,
● Scaling up access to social protection programmes, including; social grants, nutritional support, and early childhood development for eligible children, adolescents, and women living with HIV, and other priority populations for improved access to HIV treatment and other services, and
● Addressing gender-based violence and femicide, sexual assault, and abuse of infants, children, adolescents, and women, including scaling up advocacy for the enforcement of laws and the administration of justice.
I am happy to officially announce that the South Africa Chapter of the Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children by 2030 is duly launched today!

Collectively, we should strive to ensure universal access to treatment, eliminate mother-to-child transmission, and confront prevailing prejudice and discrimination in order to foster a society that accepts and supports all individuals living with HIV, including our children.

Together, we have the power to end the epidemic of HIV and AIDS.

I thank you.

Source: President of South Africa –

His Excellency António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations,
Your Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
President of COP28, Dr Sultan Al-Jaber,

Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This World Climate Action Summit is taking place at a time when much of our world is in turmoil. South Africa is appalled at the cruel tragedy that is underway in Gaza. 
The war against the innocent people of Palestine is a war crime that must be ended NOW. South Africa has referred this matter to the ICC and we urge the court to act speedily to save lives.

The people of Palestine must have their own state and finally live in peace and security. 

Yet, even as we are beset by numerous challenges, we cannot lose momentum in the fight against climate change.

African countries are among the most vulnerable to the effects of a rapidly changing climate, and have to adapt and build resilience within the context of historically low levels of development and a severely limited capacity.

As South Africa, we applaud the landmark decision of COP28 to operationalise the new fund on Loss and Damage, and welcome the pledges that have already been made.

If this Fund is to effectively support those countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, we need to mobilise funding on a far greater scale.

We must launch the work programme on national and international just transitions that involve all in society and encompass all areas of the economy.

What is decided at COP28 needs to be guided by science, equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.

Climate action is key to South Africa’s sustainable development agenda. 

The South African government has just approved the Implementation Plan for the country’s Just Energy Transition Investment Plan. 

This plan focuses on areas critical to a just transition, including investment in electricity infrastructure, new energy vehicles, green hydrogen, skills development, municipal electricity distribution, and interventions directed at communities most affected by the energy transition. 

South Africa has a successful renewable energy power producers programme that plays a key role in supporting our decarbonisation efforts.

There are also promising developments underway in our country to harness the potential of green hydrogen, and to beneficiate critical minerals and rare earths in support of development and driving the green transition.

Multilateralism must remain central to global climate action. 

Unilateral, coercive and trade-distorting measures, such as carbon adjustment measures are detrimental to developing economies. 

Innovative financing instruments, such as special drawing rights are needed to ensure that funding does not increase the debt burden of countries that are already struggling to service their debt. 

There can be no substitute for new predictable at scale and appropriate public finance to help developing economy countries build climate resilience.

Access to finance, skills transfer and technology is key.

Climate change adaptation and mitigation technologies should be regarded as a global public good.

We need to support the right of each country to determine its own developmental trajectory, and provide the necessary space to bring it to fruition.

Let us continue to work together in a spirit of solidarity and cooperation. 

I thank you.

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), today, Thursday 30 November 2023, to lead South Africa’s participation in the United Nations climate-focused Conference of Parties (COP28).

COP28, brings together world leaders to present on progress and ambition across all pillars of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as adopted in the Paris Agreement in 2015. The Conference will also provide momentum and guidance for the remainder of the COP, will be presided over by COP28 President-Designate Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber of the United Arab Emirates.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has accepted an invitation by President-Designate of the Conference of Parties (COP28) UAE, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber to participate in the World Climate Action Summit to be held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 1 and 2 December 2023.

The 2023 COP28, will be held from 30 November – 12 December 2023 at the Dubai Expo in the United Arab Emirates.

Another key feature in the Conference will be the 18th COP Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP18) and the fifth COP Meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA) sessions.

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy will lead the country’s participation for the remainder of the Conference until the 12 December 2023.

South Africa’s participation at the Conference is in the context of its national determination as set out in the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan, to significantly reduce emission in line with the Paris Agreement adopted in 2015.   

COP28 presents an opportunity to fast-track the energy transition by building the energy system of the future, while rapidly decarbonising the current energy system to keep 1.5°C within reach.

South African delegation to the Conference will include; government and business representatives in recognition of the value of partnerships in dealing with the challenge of climate change and sustainable development.

The Conference will witness the first Global Stocktake (GST) which is the main mechanism under the UNFCCC’s Paris Agreement to take stock of the collective challenges and opportunities in the implementation of the Agreement and will provide a comprehensive assessment of progress made since its adoption.  

This will help align efforts on climate action, including measures that need to be implemented to bridge the gaps in progress. 

The purpose is to help inform parties in preparing their next nationally determined contributions to the Paris Agreement to raise ambition and accelerate climate action, as well as to enhance international cooperation.

Minister Barbara Creecy, and her counterpart from Denmark, Minister Dan Jørgensen, were requested by the UAE in its capacity as COP28 Presidency-designate, to co-facilitate discussions at a political level amongst ministers responsible for climate change ahead of the Global Stocktake (GST) discussions.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Source: President of South Africa –

President Ramaphosa to lead South African delegation to UNFCCC’S COP28 in Dubai
 
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on 1 and 2 December 2023 lead South Africa’s delegation to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)’s 28^th Conference of Parties – COP28, for short – in Dubai, the United Arab Emirate.

In total, the Conference runs from 30 November to 12 December 2023.

Following the President’s participation this week, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Barbara Creecy, will stay on and lead the country’s participation for the remainder of the Conference until the 12th November 2023.

South Africa’s delegation to the Conference will include government and business representatives in recognition of the value of partnerships in dealing with the challenge of climate change and sustainable development.

The 18^th COP Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP18) and the fourth COP Meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA) sessions will be convened on the side-lines of the COP28. 

The Conference will witness the first Global Stocktake (GST), which will provide a comprehensive assessment of progress made since the adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015. 

This will help align efforts on climate action, including measures that need to be implemented to bridge the gaps in progress.

The purpose of the Stocktake is to help Parties prepare their next nationally determined contributions to the Paris Agreement to raise ambition and accelerate climate action, as well as to enhance international cooperation.

President Ramaphosa to visit Free State Province on 2^nd leg of the DDM Presidential Imbizo
 
President Cyril Ramaphosa will next week on Thursday, 07 December 2023, lead government’s interaction with the Matjhabeng Local Municipality on the 2nd leg of the District Development Model Presidential Imbizo in the Free State Province.

The Matjhabeng municipal economy is mainly anchored on the mining of gold and uranium and is the hub of the Free State Goldfields.
 
The Presidential Imbizo will take place at the Kopano Indoor Sports Centre in Thabong, Welkom, within the Lejweleputswa District Municipality.

Under the theme “Leave no one Behind”, the President will be continuing on the last visit undertaken on 9 April 2022 in Bloemfontein at the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in the Free State.

Ahead of the 2nd leg of the DDM Presidential Imbizo in the Free State, national, provincial and local government as well as state entities will embark on pre-Imbizo build-up programmes across the province. These activities will be undertaken to stimulate communities’ participation in the Imbizo and to assist residents with services they may require or other challenges they wish to report.

The Lejweleputswa DDM Presidential Imbizo follows on the commitments the Free State Provincial Government made to tackle service delivery challenges during the 2022 Imbizo which was held in Bloemfontein.

Thus, this Imbizo will also take stock of the progress made since the last Presidential Imbizo in the province. During the 2022 engagement,  
42 community members representing the seven regions of the Mangaung Metro voiced their concerns to the President.

The towns represented in this discussion included Van Stadensrus, Soutpan, Dewetsdorp, Wepener, Thaba Nchu, Botshabelo and Bloemfontein. Representatives of people with disabilities were also able to raise their concerns. 

As an interactive platform, the DDM Presidential Imbizo allows communities to engage and interact face-to-face with the President, Ministers and the provincial and local leadership face-to-face.

The District Development Model enhances integrated and sustainable service delivery through the maximisation of intergovernmental planning, budgeting and implementation towards creating inclusive economic opportunities for locals.

The DDM also aims to intensify the delivery of services, promote social cohesion and advance the developmental state agenda, in line with the National Development Plan; and Growth and Development Strategies of the province.

The participation of leadership from the national, provincial and local is directed at maintaining accountability by public office bearers and the administration, and promoting collaboration.

12 December 2023: President to host the Inaugural Science, Technology and Innovation Presidential Plenary

President Ramaphosa will on 12 December 2023 host the Inaugural Science, Technology and Innovation Presidential Plenary that will bring together leaders in government, industry, academia and civil society.

Discussions will focus on progress of the National System of Innovation (NSI) and challenges in this sector, and will explore ways for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) and skills development to impact positively on the South African economy.
 
In November 2022, Cabinet adopted the STI Decadal Plan to guide the first 10 years of implementing the 2019 White Paper on STI.

The White Paper introduced the concept of an Interministerial Committee (IMC) on STI and a Presidential STI Plenary as instruments to enhance STI policy coherence, as well as programme and budget coordination in the South African national system of innovation. 

In this regard, the plenary will allow all role players to reflect collaboratively on progress with STI initiatives, and jointly commit resources for recommended STI initiatives.

An Inter-Ministerial Committee on STI established in March 2021 is led by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation and comprises Ministers of STI-intensive government departments.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Source: President of South Africa –

The SANAC Civil Society Chairperson, Ms. Steve Letsike;
The Hon. Premiers in their capacities as Provincial AIDS Council Chairs;
Minister of Health, Dr. Joe Phaahla, and all SANAC IMC members;
The Provincial Leaders of Civil Society in their capacities as Co-Chairs of the Provincial Councils on AIDS;
The SANAC Private Sector Forum Chairperson Ms. Mpumi Zikalala;
SANAC CEO, Dr. Thembisile Xulu;
MECs present;
Development Partners;
Esteemed Plenary members;
Media friends,

Good morning!

It gives me great pleasure to warmly greet you all on behalf of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) at this Extended Plenary.

It is an honour to have the opportunity to address such a distinguished and esteemed audience, comprising of individuals who are deeply committed to the cause of combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic in our beloved nation.

Over the past two weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with some communities and other key stakeholders on issues related to gender-based violence and femicide and associated ills such as HIV/AIDS and mental health, among others.

On the 19 November 2023, as led by Parliament, we held a successful National Men’s Parliament and Launch of the Takuwani Riime Programme of Action 2023 -2025 in Limpopo, where we had the opportunity to engage with Traditional Authorities and community members as key stakeholders in our fight against gender-based violence and femicide. I do not need to tell you colleagues about the relationship between gender-based violence and femicide as well as HIV, and I believe you share the same sentiments with me that we must continue to strengthen our efforts in these areas.

We are three days into the 16 Days of activism against GBV campaign, which was launched on Saturday under the theme “Accelerating actions to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide: leaving no one behind”. The campaign is among other things, aimed at –

●      Highlighting Gender-Based Violence as a pervasive human rights violation;
●      Intensifying awareness raising and advocacy; and
●      Championing the prevention efforts to eliminate the scourge by implementing social behaviour change initiatives.

We must continue to mainstream gender-based violence and femicide issues in the work that we do across sectors. To end this pandemic in our country, we need all hands on deck to educate our communities, stand together and fight this scourge wherever it shows itself. We can change the narrative, but we will only do so if we work together!

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I believe that all of you are mindful that this plenary is taking place exactly three days before the official observance of World AIDS Day on December 1.

World AIDS Day offers an opportunity to reflect on the country’s progress towards eliminating HIV as a public health threat, as well as ending TB by the year 2030.

Regrettably, it also provides us with a chance to commemorate the lives lost as a result of conditions related to AIDS.

This year’s official commemoration will be held in KwaZulu-Natal, Ilembe District under the theme “Let Communities Lead”.

This theme serves as a compelling invitation to allocate resources towards community-led interventions and approaches that prioritise the needs and perspectives of the community.

Therefore, the primary emphasis of this year’s commemoration will be on the launching of the multi-sectoral Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children by 2030, spearheaded by SANAC.

As it stands, more work still needs to be done to reach the 95-95-95 targets, especially in children at 82-67-67. It is our responsibility as SANAC to ensure that the estimated 36 544 children who still have unknown HIV status are diagnosed and treated.

We hope that, through the work of the Global Alliance, we will indeed end AIDS in children.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As part of our continued efforts to strengthen the SANAC Trust, which is the administrative body of this Council, we are replacing the two vacant posts on the Board. The process is at an advanced stage, and we will announce two new Trustees soon.

The issue of SANAC Trust funding and sustainability continues to be a top priority in my office; in pursuit of this, we have arranged a series of engagements with relevant structures, the most important of which being a meeting with the Minister of Finance.

The Trust remains one of the most critical structures charged with multi-sector coordination of the country’s response to HIV, TB and STIs.

Considering the magnitude of our TB and HIV burden, we cannot afford to compromise the work of the Trust. We will do everything in our power to ensure it remains stable to effectively execute its mandate.

As stated by Minister Phaahla during one of our meetings, “SANAC is the conduit through which external funding for the epidemics is channeled – these include the Global Fund and PEPFAR among others. Should the Trust close shop, these donors may lose confidence from investing in South Africa”.

The existence of SANAC is also in line with the UNAIDS “Three Ones”, which call for One Coordination Structure, One National Strategic Plan and One M&E Framework. If we are serious about ending AIDS in 2030, we must protect the SANAC Trust at all costs.

Shortly after the last Extended Plenary 2023 on World TB Day, we launched the new National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB and STI: 2023 – 2028. We need to ensure that it is implemented successfully for us to tell a good story come 2030.

As the SANAC Council we should continue to provide leadership and monitor the impact of our programmes and interventions against the three epidemics.

At the March Plenary, we also resolved that all SANAC governance structures from government, civil society and the private sector would recommit and revitalise their structures.

In my capacity as the Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee, and thus a leader of the government’s contribution to the response, I wish to confirm our resolute commitment that all SANAC IMC Ministers and Deputy ministers will retain their positions within the various SANAC governance structures for as long as they remain in their positions within government.

We call upon the other two arms of SANAC, namely the Civil Society Forum and the Private Sector Forum to reaffirm their commitments as well.

On that note, may we have a fruitful meeting.

I thank you.

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director and former Chair of UN Women, former Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka,
Your Excellency Azali Assoumani, Chair of the African Union and President of the Union of the Comoros,
Your Excellency Sahle-Work Zewde, President of Ethiopia,
Your Excellency Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former President of Mauritius,
Your Excellency Catherine Samba-Panza, former President of the Central African Republic,
Your Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia and patron of the African Women Leaders Network,
African Union Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, Ms Bineta Diop,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Deputy Speaker of Parliament of South Africa, Mr Lechesa Tsenoli,
Representatives of women’s organisations from across the continent,
Representatives of business, academia, interfaith, youth organisations and civil society,
Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen, 

I greet you all and welcome you to South Africa and to this 3rd African Union Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity.

We are meeting in the week that the annual campaign of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence commences across the globe. 

In this respect, today’s conference is one of many events being organised across the world to draw attention to this terrible scourge.

What makes this conference exceptional is that our focus is on the role of men and boys in bringing about a world free of gender-based violence.

We are here because we know that men and boys must be at the forefront of change. 

We are here because we know there is an alternative to a society, a continent and a world where women are oppressed, discriminated against and their rights suppressed. 

We seek a world in which every African man, woman and child can live in true freedom and equality with their rights respected, upheld and advanced.

We know that such a world is within our reach if we focus on the prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls.

We cannot realise a society free of gender-based violence without critically interrogating the assumptions around patriarchy, male chauvinism and sexism. 

It is these assumptions that lead young men and boys to believe that women are property, that they are worth less than a man, and that they are deserving of ill-treatment.

This is a conversation that men need to have.

Men are in the main the perpetrators of violence against women and girls. 

At the same time, it is men who have the power to bring about the change we so sorely need.

The unity, self-reliance, self-determination, freedom, progress and prosperity we collectively strive towards under the AU’s Agenda 2063 are being undermined by gender-based violence. 

Such violence is eroding our gains, stunting our continent’s development and leaving more than half of Africa’s population in a state of anxiety and fear.

This conference is about promoting positive masculinity.

It is about challenging traditional stereotypes with being a man. 

It involves redefining the norms and expectations placed on men. 

Positive masculinity encourages men to embrace qualities such as empathy, vulnerability, emotional intelligence and respect for diversity.

Earlier this year I convened the Presidential Young Men and Boys’ Indaba in Soweto in Johannesburg.

I had the opportunity to talk with a group of young men who see themselves as changemakers in the fight against gender-based violence.

These young men face a lot of pressures that affect their attitudes to women and girls. 

These include the lack of positive male role models, absentee fathers, vulnerability to recruitment by criminals, pressure to drop out of school and earn a living, and pressure to become sexually active before they are ready to.

These young men, who exhibit or seek to learn positive masculinity, are tired of being seen as the problem, when they want to be part of the solution. 

This is why it is so important that a conference such as this brings us together to look at how we can create more spaces for young men and boys to engage among their peers without fear of judgment.

As South Africa we have a number of initiatives, programmes and dialogues that are elevating  the importance of positive masculinity as part of the fight against gender-based violence.

These programmes are run among athletes and artists, workers and students. They are often implemented in partnership with business, unions and other social partners.

What these programmes show is that while men are the main perpetrators of violence against women and children, men can also be at the forefront of bringing about a new society that respects the equal rights of women and girls.

This has been recognised across the African continent.

This conference is now in its third year, the AU Circle of Champions has been established, and work is underway towards an African Convention to End Violence Against Women and Girls.

This conference is an opportunity to consolidate our political commitment, accelerate our collective efforts and define men’s contribution to ending violence against women and girls. 

As South Africa, and working with our fellow leaders on the continent, we stress the importance of an all-of-society approach that brings together business, labour, government and civil society to promote positive masculinity. 

This enables us to develop a common vision and roadmap, and build structures throughout society. 

We need to step up the prevention agenda. 

The Circle of Champions must continue to inspire high-level leadership in ending violence against women and girls. 

There must be renewed support for the AU Commission in ensuring the Maputo Protocol Scorecard and Index for the realisation of women’s rights is popularised and implemented. 

As we move ahead in negotiating an African Convention on Ending Violence against Women and Girls, we must ensure there is accountability through monitoring and evaluating progress in meeting the commitments of the Kinshasa Declaration. 

Lastly, we have to address structural inequality by broadening women’s access to resources, jobs and opportunities, all the while introducing laws, policies and programmes that advance women’s economic empowerment. 

We have great expectations of this conference. 

We must be creative, innovative and resolute when it comes to the design and implementation of dialogue, safe spaces and other initiatives that enable men and boys to become more involved in this effort.  

Let us learn from each other and share best practice. Let us understand how what works in one context could be adapted to work in another. 

Let us look at how we can fund this work in an economically constrained environment. 

There is one thing on which we agree: positive masculinity can and must be harnessed as a powerful force for good.  

Ending violence against women and girls everywhere is our collective responsibility as society, but when it comes to the participation of men, that onus is even greater. 

We owe it to the women and girls of our continent to be better men, better fathers, better caregivers, better partners and better sons. 

Let us build on the gains of the first two conferences to birth a new Africa that affirms the human dignity, equality and worth of every African woman and girl.  

Let us leave no man and boy behind in this journey. 

Together, as an expanding circle of champions, we will make the Convention to End Violence Against Women and Girls a reality in our beloved Africa. 

I thank you.