Category: Republic of South Africa

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded his working visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt with an appeal to the international community to do more in enabling the revival of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. 

The President traveled to Cairo, Egypt on 21 October 2023, to attend the Cairo Summit for Peace at the invitation of Egyptian President, His Excellency Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

In his plea to the international community, President Ramaphosa said more energy and focus must be directed at supporting the resumption of the peace process.

“Influential countries like the United States of America, have a duty and a responsibility to support processes that will deliver a long lasting and durable peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians. The international community cannot afford to squander the opportunity that has been presented by the current conflict to decisively push for a two state solution. There is unanimity across the globe that peace is viable when a free and independent state of Palestine exists alongside a secure state of Israel,” said President Ramaphosa.

President Ramaphosa decried the escalation of the conflict by those arming either of the warring parties and called on state actors to immediately stop the provision of weapons as it undermines the promise of peace.

“The fighting must end. Israel must stop its siege and shelling of Gaza. Hamas must stop launching rockets into Israel. Hostages must be returned. We must discourage any action that fuels this conflict and threatens to engulf the entire region.  Humanitarian corridors must be opened to alleviate human suffering,” said President Ramaphosa.

The President expressed his gratitude to President El-Sisi for convening the summit, marking it as the beginning of many efforts that will rally the Israelis and Palestinians and the world behind a concerted attempt aimed at finding peace in the Middle East.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Source: President of South Africa –

Your Excellency, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi,
Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres 
Your Majesties
Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government,
Representatives and Officials,

President Sisi thank you for convening this important summit that will hopefully raise the awareness of the world of what is happening in this part of the world and hopefully come up with a roadmap to a meaningful solution.

We gather here united by our deep concern at the unprecedented conflict that has engulfed Gaza and Israel and our distress at the depth and extent of human suffering.

As South Africa, we hold the firm view that the attack on civilians in Israel, the ongoing siege of Gaza and the decision to forcibly move the people of Gaza, together with the indiscriminate use of force through bombing, are violations of international law. More than that, these acts are an affront to our common humanity.

We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the release of hostages, the lifting of the siege of Gaza, opening of humanitarian corridors and the urgent provision of humanitarian aid on the required scale to the people of Gaza. We also call for a United Nations-led negotiation process towards resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The international community has a responsibility and a duty to support peace and to create favourable conditions for negotiation and dialogue.

As South Africans we can relate to what is happening to Palestinians. Our people waged a brave and courageous struggle to achieve their freedom and were subjected to untold suffering just like the Palestinians are going through. The nightmare of apartheid was only brought to an end by the relentless struggle of our people and the courage and foresight of leaders who put aside their differences and sought peace rather than revenge.

We believe that peace is the only option to bring about peace between between Israel and Palestine. To achieve this, steps must be taken now. We therefore call on all parties to exercise restraint and on all state actors to desist from providing weapons to either of the sides to the conflict.

We are concerned that the response of the Israeli government to the attack on its citizens will further deepen a conflict that has engulfed the region for many decades and will make the attainment of a just and lasting peace even more difficult. We are also concerned that this conflict can spread to include other countries in the region. This must be avoided at all costs.

The only way to bring about peace is the fulfilment of the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people to human rights, dignity and statehood.

This is in line with the decisions that have been taken by the United Nations that guarantees statehood for both Israel and Palestine based on the 1967 borders.

Only through a negotiated settlement supported by the international community can the people of Israel achieve the security they seek and the people of Palestine realise the freedom they deserve.

As the international community, we must call for a ceasefire, find a sustainable solution to this conflict and stand on the side of peace, justice and human rights for all.

I thank you.

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Saturday, 21 October 2023, attend the Cairo Summit for Peace at the invitation of His Excellency Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

The Summit will discuss the ongoing escalation of the conflict in Israel and the Gaza Strip, the urgent need for humanitarian support and make a call for the resumption of the peace process.

President Ramaphosa has been deeply concerned by attacks on civilians, the resulting enormous loss of life, displacement of people and the humanitarian crisis that has engulfed the Gaza Strip.

South Africa has repeatedly called for the immediate cessation of hostilities, return of hostages and the urgent opening of humanitarian corridors.

South Africa stands ready to join the global effort that will bring about lasting peace to the Middle East.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya; Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa on media@presidency.gov.za 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Directors, Ms Basetsana Kumalo and Ms Charmaine Houvet,
Founder and Patron of the International Women’s Forum South Africa Chapter, Ms Zanele Mbeki,
IWF-SA President Ms Irene Charnley,
IWF-SA Deputy President, Ms Nolitha Fakude,
Chairperson of the Standard Bank Group, Ms Nonkululeko Nyembezi, I
WF-SA board members and members,
Distinguished Honourees,
Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my pleasure to address this wonderful celebration of trailblazing women who are making an indelible mark in society.

Your works are shattering barriers and inspiring others with your determination, compassion and visionary leadership in various facets of life.

We are gathered here tonight to celebrate, honour and pay tribute to three remarkable women who have devoted their lives and their careers to uplifting and empowering others.

You have each set a great example for women’s leadership on the African continent. Gender equality is a constitutionally enshrined principle, a fundamental human right and an economic imperative.

We can only achieve sustainable and inclusive growth in South Africa and in Africa when women are socially, politically and economically empowered.

The International Women’s Forum South Africa has a proud tradition of honouring, acknowledging and celebrating women who have made a meaningful difference to our nation, our continent and the wider world.

As the IWF-SA you call us to action, remind us of our shortcomings and hold us accountable for advancing women’s empowerment whether as legislators, policymakers, corporations or as employees.

You stand up for women, not just as a representative organisation and a voice for change, but as active agents for upliftment and empowerment.

Despite important advances we are still some way off from achieving true gender equality.

We continue to grapple with the feminisation of poverty, the impact of HIV and AIDS on women, gender-based violence, high unemployment rates amongst women, teenage pregnancy, and others.

The leaders we are honouring this evening have worked to change our country and continent for the better. Their works demonstrate that we can only have a fairer, more equal and more peaceful world when there is gender equality.

The theme – Pay It Forward – is at the heart of this evening’s celebrations.

We come from a past that ignored women’s important role in society.

The historic Women’s March of 1956 was the culmination of a campaign to force an illegitimate regime to recognise that women’s rights are human rights.

Today, under democracy, women are paying it forward so all our children can live in a world where opportunities are equally available and accessible to them.

Allow me to begin by acknowledging the outstanding work of our first honouree, Ms Winnie Byanyima, who is an aeronautical engineer, politician, human rights activist, feminist and diplomat.

She is the director of UNAIDS and was previously an executive director at Oxfam.

For over 30 years, Ms Byanyima has fought for equality and justice in her home country Uganda and around the world. She is a globally recognised leader on women’s rights, democratic governance and peace-building.

Today, she highlights how we need to continue to fight to end AIDS.

Our second honouree tonight is a familiar name to South Africans, Dr Brigalia Bam.

Dr Bam is the former chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission.

Many people retire from this rigorous role to take it easy. That is not the case with Dr Bam who is intent on paying it forward wherever and whenever she can.

For her efforts to build a better country and for her distinguished contribution to the empowerment of women and to building democracy in South Africa, she has been awarded the Order of the Baobab in Silver.

Our third honouree tonight is also a name many South Africans are familiar with.

Advocate Mojanku Gumbi served as a special advisor to former President Thabo Mbeki and is currently the UN Special Advisor for Addressing Racism in the Workplace.

Advocate Gumbi has been involved in peace making initiatives in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Comoros, Sudan, Lesotho, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Iran and the Middle East.

She has advised on domestic policy issues including reform of the healthcare industry, the expansion of South African industries to the rest of Africa and the world, as well as on banking and mining sector reforms.

These leaders continue to inspire other women and young girls to achieve their goals and change the world for the better.

We extend our gratitude to each of you for your contributions and congratulate you on the prestigious honour being bestowed on you this evening.

We call on other organisations to emulate the ethos of the International Women’s Forum, which is firmly rooted in the belief that empowering visionary women and fostering a culture of mentorship encourages support to women from all walks of life.

This support emboldens women to challenge conventional norms, redefine leadership and carve paths to success.

Through initiatives like the FASSET Women’s Legacy Programme, the organisation promotes an environment that moulds, educates and mentors the next generation of ethical women leaders.

A partnership with the Financial and Accounting SETA and Duke Corporate Education, this programme will have mentored and developed 1,000 women in the financial sector alone by 2025.

Paying it forward, those one thousand will become ten thousand, a hundred thousand, and in time, one million and more.

They will be a rising brigade of young professional women of great skill, acumen and ambition, empowered to be whatever they want to be.

It has been my privilege over the years to work closely with members of the IWF-SA and other organisations in the quest to build a more equitable society, where women will no longer encounter barriers to their personal growth and progress.

We salute your efforts to galvanise your membership base to foster alliances, to promote mentorship and to champion exemplary ethical women’s leadership at the global level.

Thank you to the IWF, to IWF-SA and to the Standard Bank Group for making this event possible, and for supporting our distinguished honourees.

May you continue to be an influential voice for gender equality, leading the charge towards a more equal and just world.

I thank you.

Source: President of South Africa –

Your Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands,
Honourable Ministers of the Netherlands and South Africa,
Ambassadors,
Officials,
Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is my privilege to welcome you, Your Majesties, on this, your first state visit to South Africa.

South Africa and the Netherlands have long-established historical ties going back to the arrival of the first Dutch settlers in the Cape in 1652. 

In the post-colonial era, the Netherlands played an important role in the anti-apartheid struggle with active and committed anti-apartheid organisations.

More than 200 years since the Dutch ceded sovereignty of the Cape, there are a number of Dutch influences that still play an important part in the cultural and linguistic life of many South African communities. 

The Afrikaans language has much of its origins in Dutch and is the third most widely spoken national language of South Africa. Our country’s Muslim community can trace its origins to the arrival in 1658 of free labourers and political exiles from the-then Dutch East Indies. There are distinct Dutch influences in the cuisine and customs of our country.

The strength of our bilateral relations today and the bonds between our respective peoples reflect a commitment to acknowledge and confront the injustices of our past. 

We are determined to forge a new path for our respective countries based on shared values, and a common commitment to human rights, equality, development and prosperity for all. 

We are determined to build the bridges of tolerance and understanding in pursuit of a better future and better world.

In this regard, Your Majesty, I wish to acknowledge the apology that you have made for your country’s role in the slave trade, including in South Africa. This was an important step towards promoting reconciliation, restoration and healing old wounds.

We are meeting at a time when our resolve to build a peaceful, equal future is being sorely tested, and where reconciliation and healing is most sorely needed.

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the devastating events unfolding in Israel and Palestine have left many of us saddened. They have left us fearful for the future of international cooperation and for our common aspiration to realise a world free of conflict.

As South Africa we have reiterated that there should be an immediate cessation of hostilities between the warring parties, that the tenets of international law should be upheld, and that the international community has a responsibility to help bring about favourable conditions for negotiation and dialogue. 

As a country that chose the path of reconciliation over conflict, and peace over war, we believe it is indeed possible for adversaries, even those that share bitter histories, to come together for the sake of peace. We believe change can never come too late, and that it is indeed possible. 

The relationship between our two countries is testament to this. The Netherlands is a former colonial power but is now supporting development and economic growth across the developing world, including in former Dutch colonies.

We are grateful to the Netherlands for its support during the COVID-19 pandemic. This included the provision of personal protective equipment and a substantial contribution to our Solidarity Fund.

As South Africa, we derive great benefit from our relationship with the Netherlands. This is something I underscored in my engagement with Prime Minister Rutte during his visit a few months ago.

Our countries have been able to collaborate in international fora on the promotion of democratic values, human rights, and the role of women in peace and security. I have been fortunate to engage Her Majesty the Queen on our shared interest in the promotion of financial inclusion for women on the African continent.

The Netherlands is one of our major trading partners. Our total trade has doubled between 2019 and 2022 and the Netherlands remains one of the most important investors in this country. South Africa is also a leading destination for Dutch tourists.

You are accompanied by a large business delegation, and I am confident they will have constructive engagements with their South African counterparts. 

Our bilateral relationship spans agriculture, education and skills development, transport and logistics, science and innovation, water management and others. 

Our energy cooperation is increasing, notably in the fields of green hydrogen and renewable energy.

I understand that our Foreign Ministers held a successful meeting of our Joint Commission yesterday and we look forward to receiving their report.

I am pleased to note that your delegation includes a large academic component, because cooperation between our universities has shown great growth since the advent of democracy in our country.

Ours is a strategic partnership that we can be proud of. It has evolved, matured and is increasingly of mutual benefit. May our shared values and common commitment to development guide us as we write a new history for South Africa-Dutch relations.

We look forward to expanding the horizons of this relationship well into the future. 

I now invite you, Your Majesty, to make your opening statement.

I thank you.

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep and profound sadness at the passing of Former President of Finland Martti Ahtisaari, who died at the age of 86 on 16 October 2023.

President Ahtisaari was well respected for the many leadership roles he occupied and accolades that he received during a life time of service to humanity.

 The former President of Finland and Nobel Laureate was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008 for his role as an independent mediator and contribution to ending conflicts in Namibia, Kosovo, Northern Ireland and Indonesia.
 
 He was also the founder of the conflict resolution foundation, Crisis Management Institute—Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation and was a member of the Elders, a group of former senior world leaders founded by the late former President Nelson Mandela. 

“I remember Martti Ahtisaari as my partner in Northern Ireland where we both served as inspectors in the decommissioning of weapons process during the years 2000 and 2001. Martti had a wonderful sense of humour, which helped tremendously as we travelled the Irish countryside counting weapons and placing plastic seal strappings through and around them.

We were always aligned in our thinking and as Martti noted in his biography we were able to finish each other’s sentences. We completed this task when the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning announced that the IRA had rendered the quantity of arms completely beyond utilisation. It was a great privilege for both of us to have played a small part in the Northern Ireland Peace Process,” recalls President Ramaphosa.

The world will remember Ahtisaari as a man of peace, a tough negotiator who displayed great compassion and deep respect for people.

President Ramaphosa joins the many voices around the world in extending his condolences to President Ahtisaari’s wife, Eeva, their son Marko and the people of Finland.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep and profound sadness at the passing of Former President of Finland Martti Ahtisaari, who died at the age of 86 on 16 October 2023.

President Ahtisaari was well respected for the many leadership roles he occupied and accolades that he received during a life time of service to humanity.

 The former President of Finland and Nobel Laureate was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008 for his role as an independent mediator and contribution to ending conflicts in Namibia, Kosovo, Northern Ireland and Indonesia.
 
 He was also the founder of the conflict resolution foundation, Crisis Management Institute—Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation and was a member of the Elders, a group of former senior world leaders founded by the late former President Nelson Mandela. 

“I remember Martti Ahtisaari as my partner in Northern Ireland where we both served as inspectors in the decommissioning of weapons process during the years 2000 and 2001. Martti had a wonderful sense of humour, which helped tremendously as we travelled the Irish countryside counting weapons and placing plastic seal strappings through and around them.

We were always aligned in our thinking and as Martti noted in his biography we were able to finish each other’s sentences. We completed this task when the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning announced that the IRA had rendered the quantity of arms completely beyond utilisation. It was a great privilege for both of us to have played a small part in the Northern Ireland Peace Process,” recalls President Ramaphosa.

The world will remember Ahtisaari as a man of peace, a tough negotiator who displayed great compassion and deep respect for people.

President Ramaphosa joins the many voices around the world in extending his condolences to President Ahtisaari’s wife, Eeva, their son Marko and the people of Finland.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 19 October 2023, address the International Women’s Forum South Africa Hall of Femme Awards ceremony. 

Open only to IWFSA members and select invitees, the awards serve as a beacon, highlighting the tireless commitment and relentless drive of women who not only excel in their respective fields but also open doors for the next generation of leaders.
 
The IWFSA forms the South African arm of the International Women’s Forum (IWF), a formidable organization comprising over 7,500 distinguished members from 36 nations and spanning six continents. IWF Global takes pride in its diverse board – arguably one of its most varied in its history, encompassing 19 Forums across 13 countries.

Members of the media are invited as follows:

Date:Thursday, 19 October 2023
Time: 18h00
Venue: Standard Bank Auditorium, Rosebank

For media accreditation contact, Patience Mtshali 083 376 9468

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 20 October 2023, undertake a return visit to the North West Province to assess progress made on commitments Government undertook during the previous District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo.

The DDM visit aimed for integrated service delivery will be held under the theme: “Leave no one behind” at the J.B. Marks Local Municipality in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality.

This visit provides an opportunity for the President to assess progress made in implementing the interventions pronounced during his visit on 12 March 2022, in Mahikeng.

During the visit, community members raised various service delivery challenges such as water shortages, Crime and GBVF, bad state of the roads, lack of access to electricity, and creation of jobs for the youth.

President Ramaphosa supported by Cabinet members and senior government recorded issues raised by community members with clear timeframes and action plans.

The President will also conduct a site visit to the water treatment works with an upgraded reservoir which will convey water to Ikageng Proper, Ikageng Ext 1,4,5,9,12, Potchindustria, Mohadin and the Northern portion of Ikageng Ext 7.  The reservoir is also suitable to cater for further future developments.

Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality consists of three local municipalities, namely; JB Marks, Matlosana and Maquassi Hills, and has a total population of just above 800 000 people. 

The District has prioritised sectors of tourism, mining and agriculture as key economic activities.  The implementation of the Province’s integrated Accelerated Service Delivery Programme – Thuntsha Lerole is also in full swing to respond to various service delivery challenges in municipalities.  

Preceding the Imbizo, various departments and State-owned entities will hold a series of outreach activities led by Ministers, MECs and Mayors across the District Municipality to engage with the community.

The participation of leadership at the national, provincial and local levels underscores the commitment to accountability among public officials and the promotion of collaborative efforts.

The DDM visit will unfold as follows:

VISIT TO WATER PROJECT

Date: Friday, 20 October 2023
Time: 10h00
Venue: Ikageng New 25ML Reservoir, Ikageng Ext 07

COMMUNITY IMBIZO

Date: Friday, 20 October 2023
Time: 12h00
Venue: Ikageng Sports Complex, Potchestroom

NB: Members of the media who have applied for accreditation to cover the forthcoming Presidential Imbizo are advised to collect accreditation cards as stated below. All media personnel have to collect their own accreditation. They are to present their ID / Press Cards to verify their identity when collecting their accreditation.

DETAILS FOR THE COLLECTION OF MEDIA ACCREDITATION:

Venue: Madiba Banquet Hall, Potchefstroom
Dates and Times:

Wednesday, 18 October 2023 from 08:30 – 18:00
Thursday, 19 October 2023 from 09:00 – 18:00
Friday, 20 October 2023 from 08:00 – 10:00

Enquiries for accreditation should be directed to Takalani Mukwevho (GCIS) on 082 227 9308

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa held a telephone conversation with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on 17 October 2023, at the request of President Zelenskyy, wherein both leaders affirmed their closer cooperation and shared desire for a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. 

The leaders also discussed the forging of closer bilateral ties between the two countries. 

President Ramaphosa committed South Africa’s continued active engagement in the Africa Peace Initiative and participation in the Ukraine Peace Formula talks that are held at the level of National Security Advisors. 

President Ramaphosa welcomed President Zelenskyy commitment to the revival of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Both leaders pledged to continue working together in this regard. 

The leaders also reflected on the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. 

President Ramaphosa expressed his deepest concern at the rapid escalation of the conflict, the unprecedented level of destruction and toll on human lives.

President Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s call for an immediate end to the violence, return of hostages and for urgency in the opening of humanitarian corridors.  

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria