Category: English

President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a rallying call to all South Africans to embody the spirit of the Constitution through “action, thought, word and deed”.

The President delivered the keynote address at the national celebrations of Human Rights Day held in Kimberley.

This year marks 30 years since the Constitution was adopted by South Africa.

“Our Constitution is our moral compass. It does not change direction for individuals. It does not move for political parties or for the government of the day. No matter how turbulent the journey, advancing human dignity is the Constitution’s true north.

“In 1996, when the Constitution became law, we made a break with a divided past. Today, we work for a shared future. We have not yet reached the end of that journey. On this Human Rights Day, I call on each of us to rededicate ourselves to fulfilling the promise of the Constitution in action, thought, word and deed,” he said.

Former President Nelson Mandela signed the Constitution into law at Sharpeville – the site of the Sharpeville Massacre of the 21st of March 1960.

“It is significant that President Nelson Mandela chose to sign the Constitution into law in Sharpeville, the site of one of the apartheid regime’s worst acts of brutality.

“Today, on the anniversary of the Sharpeville Massacre of the 21st of March 1960, we honour the memories of all those who were killed in the struggle for human rights. It is fitting that the place that had known so much suffering and tears should be the site from which a new South Africa would rise,” he said.

A new democratic dawn

The Constitution’s adoption and signing into law was one of the final marks that South Africa had transitioned from the depravity and brutality of apartheid to freedom for all and democracy.

“Signing the Constitution into law was the most significant act of our democratic era. It was a clear moral commitment to build a society rooted in equality, freedom and human dignity.

“It set the coordinates for a journey towards a just, inclusive and united future for all South Africans. This is a journey that we remain on to this day. The Constitution is our greatest source of national pride not only because of what it contains, but because of how it was written,” President Ramaphosa noted.

The Constitution is a product of collective negotiations with several politicians, legal scholars, intellectual architects and negotiators participating in its formulation.

Often overlooked is the mass public participation that saw some 1.7 million submissions from individuals and civil society organisation – making it an inclusive body of legal work.

“For nearly a year and a half, we travelled through cities and villages, suburbs and townships, factories and farms to gather people’s contributions to the Constitution. We engaged with men and women, and with black, white, Indian and coloured South Africans alike. We met with young people with little experience of apartheid and with older people who still carried its painful wounds.

“We listened to the hopes, dreams and fears of middle-class and working-class South Africans, with the employed and the unemployed. We held community meetings, met with people at their places of work and study, and shared their views, concerns and proposals on the airwaves.

“Everyone who took part in these discussions had a deep understanding of why human rights mattered. In many cases, their views were born of their own personal experiences of injustice. Today we have a People’s Constitution, which every South African citizen of the time had a hand in writing,” President Ramaphosa reflected.

A constitution at work

President Ramaphosa stated that since its adoption, government and South Africans have worked “together to restore the dignity of all those who were denied this fundamental right” of human dignity and restoration.

“More than nine million learners in schools across this country are being fed through the National School Nutrition Programme. More than 29 million indigent, unemployed and vulnerable South Africans are receiving old age, disability and child support grants and other forms of social assistance.

“More than 80 percent of the population now have access to clean water and adequate sanitation, and more than two million poor households across this country receive free basic services.

“Our commitment to advancing the right to dignity enabled more than 800,000 students from low-income households to study for free at universities and colleges across the country last year alone,” President Ramaphosa said.

However, he added, that restitution is the “unfinished business of our democracy”.

“There can be no peace, no progress without justice. There are some who will say bygones should be bygones. There are some who say that there is no longer a need for affirmative action and employment equity targets, for land reform and restitution.

“Yet we say that restitution is not merely about compensation or redress. It is central to building a just society that upholds human dignity. If we are to give effect to the promise of our Constitution, we must continue to pursue policies of restitution and redress until our workplaces, our economy and the ownership of this country’s land truly reflect the diversity of the people of this country.

“We must continue until we fully deliver the social justice our people deserve,” he said.

The President called on all of society to join hands with government to join hands in fulfilling the promise of the Constitution.

“Addressing the gap between constitutional promise and lived reality is central to the legitimacy and vitality of South Africa’s democracy. Government cannot do this alone. We need to deepen partnerships between government, business, labour and civil society to create more jobs, uplift people from poverty and improve their material conditions.

“We must work together to combat social ills like gender-based violence, criminality and substance abuse. We need civil servants who are loyal to the constitution and treat people with dignity. Each and every one of us must be the champions of the Constitution.

“The faith that moved the drafters of the Constitution – the people of South Africa – lives on today. Let us continue along our journey, one and all, towards a South Africa of true equality where the dignity of all is not an aspiration, but a reality,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Re Tlameleng Special Needs School in Kimberley is a testament of government’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of all people.

This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who delivered remarks at the school on Saturday morning ahead of the official Human Rights Day programme held at the AR Abass Stadium in Kimberley.

“The Constitution commits all of us to work together for a shared future that upholds the rights and dignity of every South African.

“This school is a testament to that enduring commitment. For 33 years, Re Tlameng Special Needs School has been serving and supporting visual and hearing-impaired learners to receive a dignified, quality education,” he said.

The President reflected on former President Nelson Mandela’s appreciation for children, noting that he advocated for their protection.

“President Mandela said that there can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.

“Madiba recognised, as we do now, that equipping our young people for their future calls for partnerships between government, business, labour and civil society,” he said.

The President went on a guided tour of the school, where, thanks to government and private sector initiatives, they have received upgrades to the library and computer laboratory, as well as the installation of the multipurpose court.

“I would like to thank all the partners who continue to support the school’s work. This support has made the impressive upgrades that we have seen today possible, including a multi-purpose combi court and upgrades to the library and computer laboratory. We welcome the donation of books in English and Setswana and laptops to support digital learning.

“We call on those who have made these contributions to remain involved with the school and to continue to help where needed. This initiative is a powerful demonstration of what it means to translate constitutional values into real change in the lives of people,” he said.

The President acknowledged that South Africa still has “far to go to ensure access to education for children with special needs”.

He noted that Statistics South Africa indicates that between 500 000 and 900 000 children with special needs remain out of formal education.

“There are not enough facilities to meet the need. This goes beyond physical infrastructure to include the support services needed for learning and development. That is why partnerships are so vital.

“When government, the private sector and public institutions work together, we are able to unlock resources, innovation and solutions that no single entity can achieve alone. This school is a beacon of hope for the community, for the province and for the country. It is an example of what is possible with the support of all our social partners.

“With these partners, with the teachers and educators – and most importantly, with these remarkable learners – I am certain that Re Tlameng will continue to grow from strength to strength,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy President Paul Mashatile has successfully concluded a bilateral meeting with the President of the Republic of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, at the Menlyn Maine Hotel in Pretoria.

“South Africa remains steadfast in its support for the people of South Sudan as they advance toward sustainable peace, democratic governance, and inclusive development,” Mashatile said on Friday.

The Deputy President, as the President’s special envoy, focusing on South Sudan, met President Mayardit on his Working Visit to South Africa to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation, progress on peace and political processes in South Sudan, and follow-up actions from the recent Ad Hoc High-Level Committee on South Sudan (C5) Plus engagements.

The role of the C5 is to oversee the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). 

“The two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in key economic sectors, including mining, transport, and tourism. In this regard, both parties committed to jointly hosting a South Africa–South Sudan Business and Investment Conference, with the first leg scheduled to take place in Juba between May and June 2026,” the Presidency said.

The initiative aims to unlock investment opportunities and promote trade between the two countries.

The meeting also noted progress regarding ongoing engagements toward the possible introduction of a visa-free travel regime between South Africa and South Sudan. 

Relevant departments are currently assessing feasibility, with recommendations expected by the end of April 2026.

“In addition, both countries underscored the importance of enhancing air connectivity, including efforts to establish direct flights between South Africa and Juba, with engagements with airlines reportedly underway, and a comprehensive aviation cooperation plan being expected in the coming months.

“President Kiir expressed appreciation for South Africa’s continued support in the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS),” the Presidency said.

The R-ARCSS is a legal framework governing South Sudan’s transition to peace. 

The year 2026 marks a pivotal moment for South Sudan, as the country is earmarked to hold its first-ever elections since gaining independence from Sudan in July 2011. 

The two Leaders discussed key priority areas emerging from recent C5 engagements, including: Support for inclusive political participation and civil society engagement in the lead-up to elections; Provision of technical assistance for electoral processes, including potential support from South Africa’s Electoral Commission (IEC); Progress on disarmament initiatives; and Preparations for South Sudan’s National Dialogue, scheduled for April 2026.

“South Africa has already committed to providing facilitators for the National Dialogue and to sharing its own experiences in national dialogue processes.

“The meeting also addressed recent political and judicial developments in South Sudan, including matters relating to Dr Riek Machar. 

“Both parties emphasised the importance of respecting judicial processes and maintaining stability during this critical period. South Africa reiterated its commitment to the outcomes of the C5 engagements and to continued dialogue with all relevant stakeholders,” the Presidency said.

Deputy President Mashatile further reaffirmed South Africa’s intention to maintain a sustained presence in South Sudan to support ongoing peace and political processes. 

He further encouraged South African businesses to explore investment opportunities in South Sudan. 

As the two Leaders concluded the meeting, they both reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, promoting economic cooperation, and supporting lasting peace and stability in South Sudan. 

President Mayardit also held a bilateral engagement and exchanged views on the latest political developments in South Sudan with President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday at his official residence in Pretoria, Mahlamba Ndlopfu. –SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his well-wishes to South Africa’s Muslim community, wishing them Eid Mubarak as they celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr at the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

President Ramaphosa sent wishes to individuals, families, and communities for a joyous and reflective time of prayer, gratitude, unity, and sharing.

The President also invited the Muslim community to reflect, on Human Rights Day, on the constitutional provisions that pertain to religious and cultural practices.

“Our nation shares in this celebration of Eid, in the spirit of goodwill and appreciation of our diversity. For most Muslims, this is a time of faith, family, festivity and bringing joy to less fortunate members of our communities.

“Sadly, this is not the case for all Muslims around the world, as some are engulfed in devastating conflict and unending wars. May the spirit of Ramadaan and Eid prevail and bring peace, security and a hopeful future for all of humanity,” President Ramaphosa said on Saturday. –SAnews.gov.za

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There was jubilation, song and dancing in uMzimkhulu on Friday as President Cyril Ramaphosa handed over title deeds to communities and families dispossessed of their land under colonial and apartheid rule.  

Representatives of the Ngunjini, Ndzimankulu/Vierkant and St Paul communities, along with the Lawrence family, erupted into celebration as they took to the stage to receive their title deeds marking the end of a decades-long struggle to reclaim their ancestral land.

The ceremony formed part of government’s land restitution programme under the Restitution of Land Rights Act, which seeks to redress historical injustices caused by discriminatory land laws. 

Addressing beneficiaries and dignitaries, President Ramaphosa described the occasion as both a celebration and a moment of profound historical significance.  

“Today is a day for celebration. It is the culmination of a long journey,” the President said, acknowledging the resilience of communities who had waited years, in some cases generations, for justice.

He emphasised that the handover was about more than legal ownership.

“We are gathered not just to give you the title deeds to your ancestral land; we are here to restore the dignity and belonging that was taken from you through a great injustice and suffering,” he said.

President Ramaphosa located the dispossession within South Africa’s painful history, pointing to laws such as the Natives Land Act, which systematically stripped black South Africans of their land, livelihoods and identity. 

Describing land dispossession as the “original sin” that continues to shape inequality, the President said the return of land must translate into meaningful economic change.

“Restored land must translate to sustainable development. It must be a vehicle for upliftment, for poverty alleviation and for job creation. 

“We call on the Communal Property Associations to use the financial benefits from this land restitution to develop their communities and to ensure that this prosperity is shared by all,” he said.  

The President said the handover of these title deeds on the eve of Human Rights Day reminds the nation that achieving our freedom was about far more than rights on paper. 

“It was and remains about advancing human dignity and building an economy and society that benefits all,” he said. 

In total, around 18 000 hectares of land has been restored to approximately 2 800 beneficiaries across the four claims, including more than 500 women-headed households.

The President said the restored land, much of which is used for commercial forestry, would continue to generate income for communities through existing lease agreements, helping to improve livelihoods while ensuring productivity is maintained. 

He also called on the private sector to deepen partnerships with beneficiary communities, enabling them to participate meaningfully in economic value chains.

“By supporting this restitution journey, companies are investing in the dignity, livelihoods and future of communities. This restituted land will now benefit not just the original claimants but also their descendants for generations to come,” he said.

The handover comes as South Africa marks Human Rights Month and celebrates 30 years since the adoption of the Constitution, which enshrines the right to land restitution under Section 25 of the Bill of Rights.

President Ramaphosa said government has settled nearly 16 900 land claims in KwaZulu-Natal since 1994, with more than R376 million invested in the Harry Gwala District alone for land acquisition, compensation and development support.

While acknowledging frustrations around the pace of land reform, the President reaffirmed government’s commitment to accelerating the transfer of title deeds and expanding access to land.

“The title deeds being handed over today represent legal certainty, economic opportunity and generational security. When we return land, we return identity and heritage. Most importantly, we restore hope,” he said. 

For the communities gathered in uMzimkhulu, that hope was expressed not only in words, but in song, dance and celebration as generations of struggle gave way to a renewed sense of ownership, dignity and possibility. – SAnews.gov.za 

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The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources and the Fuels Industry Association has moved to assure South Africans of a stable fuel supply, with no need for consumers to panic buy.

“The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has noted with concern the circulation of statements and messages by certain organisations and individuals encouraging members of the public to rush to filling stations due to a perceived fuel shortage and anticipated fuel price increases. 

The Department and Fuels Industry Association wish to firmly reiterate that South Africa’s fuel supply remains stable in the immediate term, and there is no basis for panic-buying,” the department and the Fuels Industry Association of South Africa said in a joint statement on Friday.

The department said that while there may be isolated localised logistical challenges affecting the movement or availability of fuel in certain areas, these are operational in nature and do not constitute a national supply shortage. These issues are being actively managed through established industry and regulatory channels. 

“It is therefore incorrect and misleading to link such isolated domestic logistical matters to broader geopolitical developments. Such claims risk creating unnecessary alarm and confusion among the public,” the department and association said.

the department and association said that calls for the public to rush to the pumps are irresponsible and that such calls place undue pressure on supply systems, congestion at service stations, and anxiety among consumers. 

“The department calls all organisations, public representatives, commentators and social media users to act responsibly and to refrain from spreading unverified or speculative claims regarding fuel supply and fuel price developments.”

In addition, the public has been encouraged to continue purchasing fuel in the normal course and to rely on official government communication for accurate and verified information. 

Consumers who experience fuel-related challenges or wish to lodge complaints are encouraged to report these to fuel.complaints@dmpr.gov.za, enabling the department’s inspectors to respond and intervene where necessary. 

“The department and the Fuels Industry Association will continue to monitor the situation closely and will communicate any confirmed developments through official channels.” – SAnews.gov.za 

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