Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa will embark on a three-nation visit to Asia from 22 – 28 October 2025.

The visits will include State Visits to Indonesia and Vietnam, followed by the President’s participation at the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit as a Guest of the Chair.

During a media briefing on Monday, Presidential spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said the visit to the South-East Asian nations demonstrate South Africa’s commitment to “deepening strategic ties” with the region.

“These engagements underscore the growing importance of South-East Asia in South Africa’s efforts to diversify and expand its export markets, and to strengthen inter-regional cooperation. 

“The President’s participation in the ASEAN Summits follows South Africa’s recognition as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN in 2023, marking a significant milestone in advancing South-South cooperation and fostering inclusive, sustainable development through enhanced political, economic, and multilateral collaboration,” he said on Monday.

The visits form part of the drive for alternative markets for South African products.

“This visit to South-East Asia, including several that precedes it and a few still to follow this year, are part of an ongoing intensification of opening new trade opportunities and expanding existing trade markets for South African goods and produce. 

“Over and above a laser focus on trade, President Ramaphosa has been seeking more opportunities for skills development exchanges that will benefit the youth of South Africa. In all the visits, in engagements with Heads of State as well as with captains of industry, the President has sustained a consistent theme of seeking out more and more skills development opportunities for young people,” Magwenya explained.

Presidential diary
Before leaving on the tour to Asia, the President will on Tuesday, 14 October 2025 respond to questions for oral reply in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Cape Town.

“The session will cover amongst other issues mechanisms to monitor the state of service delivery and quality of services that are offered by all government levels, progress in reviving local industries and strengthening the manufacturing sector, and an update on South Africa’s International Court of Justice case against the state of Israel,” Magwenya said.

Later on Tuesday, the President is expected to deliver the keynote address during a dinner of the Public Protector South Africa (PPSA) 30-year Anniversary International Conference.
“Over the past thirty years, the PPSA institution has grown in leaps and bounds, and encountered a litany of challenges. 

“It has, however, through sheer institutional resilience and resolve, recalibrated itself and has managed to maintain its key strategic role in South Africa’s democratic ecosystem and continues to play an important role in enforcing the democratic values of good governance, the rule of law and quality of life.

“This Conference will bring together governance and accountability institutions from the BRICS group of nations, The Commonwealth, International Ombudsman Institute (IOI), Africa Ombudsman and Mediators Association (AOMA), the European Union and the G20,” the spokesperson explained.

READ | Conference to reflect on 30 years of the PPSA

On Friday, the President is expected to deliver the keynote address at the 7th Social Justice Summit, to be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

The summit will bring together policymakers, legislators, civil society, traditional leaders, academics and the Judiciary for high-level dialogue under the theme: “Social Justice, Food Security and Peace: Pathways to Equality, Solidarity, Sustainability and Climate Resilience.”
“The summit aligns with the G20 Development Working Group priorities, including mobilising finance for development, promoting social protection levels and addressing global public goods to enhance resilience.

“The summit will also continue to propel forward the conversation on accountability for constitutional governance, which includes the advancement of equal enjoyment of all rights and freedoms. That is essentially advancing social justice through transformative governance and civil society action, incorporating the role of business and development partners,” Magwenya said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Presidential spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, has dismissed any links between President Cyril Ramaphosa and corruption accused, Hangwani Maumela.

This after a video showing the President with popular DJ, Tbo Touch, and Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour, Jomo Sibiya outside Maumela’s house surfaced on social media.

“It is well known that President Ramaphosa loves to walk whenever he finds time, that is how he keeps himself fit. On this day, he had invited Mr. Sibiya on a walk, which it’s something he does regularly to invite his staff, even Ministers for walks. 

“They passed a house which is now well known as Maumela’s house. As they were passing this house, they were stopped by Tbo Touch, who was in the company of his mentor and friend, Bishop Noel Jones. They took pictures and recorded a video. During the walk, the President had stopped and spoke to several people along the way, including taking pictures with those people.

“Indeed, where you see them is in front of Maumela’s house, but they were not visiting the house or coming out of the house. It so happened that Tbo Touch stopped his car to greet the President as he was walking past what is now well known as Maumela’s house. The President did not even know whose house it was,” Magwenya said on Monday.

Maumela’s house – which was the site of a Special Investigating Unit raid related to the Tembisa Hospital looting scandal – is not far from the President’s Hyde Park home and is in a street “he would use when driving to and from Sandton”.

“As the President’s Office, we have gone further to obtain confirmation from Dj Tbo Touch that the video and picture was his original post. He was coming from the airport going to the Saxon Hotel with Bishop Noel Jones. At the time, what we now know as Maumela’s house was under construction.

“The President had no knowledge of whose house it was. Therefore, we reject the suggestion that the President may have been visiting Maumela’s house as being very far from the truth,” he said.

Magwenya further dismissed claims that the President “visits Maumela’s house every week” as a fabrication. 

“It’s a complete lie that the President visits Maumela’s house or anybody every week. With his extremely busy schedule, there are four categories of people that can say they see the President every week. His family, his security detail, his Union Buildings staff, in particular, Private Office staff and ANC [African National Congress] officials that he meets every Monday. 

“There are two homes that are visited by the President whenever he finds a gap, but not every week. His sister, who resides in Soweto, and the home of his long-time comrade and mine workers union friend, Mr. James Motlatsi. There’s no other household that can claim to be visited by the President every week. It is practically impossible with his work schedule,” he said.

Turning to allegations of a personal relationship between President Ramaphosa and Maumela, Magwenya maintained that no such exists with no relations “except that he was once married to Maumela’s aunt”.

“We note the ongoing desperate media attempts to link the President to this gentleman. 

“Just before the President was appointed Deputy President, he gathered his immediate family and relatives and sternly instructed all of them to either exit or stop any business that they did or intended to do with the Government or State institutions. Maumela was not part of that family gathering. 

“He couldn’t have been part of the meeting because he is not part of the President’s immediate family. It is for this reason that we’re going to consistently reject the narrative that seeks to link his existence and whatever else he is involved in, to the President,” Magwenya said.

The spokesperson pointed out that it was President Ramaphosa who signed the proclamation for the Special Investigating Unit to investigate the Tembisa Hospital scandal which “lifted the lid on the extent of the corruption and criminality in and around” hospital.

“In this regard, the President calls on all law enforcement agencies to accelerate their criminal investigations into the Tembisa Hospital matter in order to expedite the arrest of all those involved without fear or favour and regardless of who they are or purported to be related to,” Magwenya concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

As the world faces the threat of a reduced global output in the coming years due to climate impacts, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dr Dion George has stressed the importance of Group Twenty (G20) nations investing in sustainability.

Addressing third and final meeting of the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group in Cape Town, George pointed out that the G20 is the principal forum where economic and environmental priorities intersect. 

READ | G20 environmental group meetings to be held in Cape Town

“Its members represent more than 85% of global Gross Domestic Product, around 75% of trade, and about 80% of greenhouse-gas emissions. That reach brings both capacity and duty,” the Minister said on Monday.

Research has warned that climate impacts could reduce global output by several percentage points by mid-century if emissions continue unchecked.

“Yet decisive climate action is good economics. Investments in clean technology, renewable energy, and efficient systems generate employment and competitiveness. Energy security, public health, and food stability all benefit when we invest in sustainability,” George said. 

According to the International Monetary Fund, the world growth is projected to grow at about three percent in 2025, with performance diverging across regions and fiscal space tightening in many developing economies.

“The financing gap for sustainable development has widened to around four trillion US dollars a year. Public budgets cannot meet this need alone. 

“We must expand blended-finance models, use green bonds and taxonomies, and bring private capital into public purpose. Fiscal responsibility and climate ambition must work together,” George said.
The G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group is taking place under South Africa’s G20 Presidency under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.”

Under South Africa’s Presidency, government has worked to ensure that the duty of reducing greenhouse-gas emissions is exercised with fairness and integrity. 

“The transition must include every region. The rules that govern it must be shaped by all. Our approach has been practical. 

“We have focused on turning declarations into measurable programmes and pilot projects into replicable models. We have encouraged countries to align environmental policy with growth strategy so that sustainability becomes a source of strength, not a constraint.

“The G20 can demonstrate that environmental responsibility drives economic performance. When governments invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, cleaner production, and ecosystem protection, they secure long-term stability and investor confidence,” the Minister said.

The work of South Africa’s Presidency aligns with the global and continental frameworks that guide sustainable development.

At the global level, the work is guided by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the United Nations Conventions on climate, biodiversity, and desertification.

The work also looks at the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the African Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy, which outline Africa’s pathway toward low-carbon and climate-resilient growth.

“At the national level, South Africa’s National Development Plan 2030 and the Climate Change Act 2024, assented to on 23 July 2024 and commenced on 17 March 2025, anchor sustainability within our economic planning. These frameworks express one idea: development and environmental responsibility are not separate objectives but parts of the same goal of human progress,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has reaffirmed the province’s focus on self-sufficiency, rural revitalisation, and long-term food security.

Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli unveiled the 2025 Provincial Multi-Planting Season, a flagship provincial initiative aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture, strengthening food security, and revitalising rural economies.

The Multi-Planting Season was launched on Friday at eNhlanhleni Mission in Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma Local Municipality, under the Harry Gwala District, setting the tone for a productive agricultural season ahead.

The programme, led by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, also underscores the province’s commitment to empowering local farmers and communities to produce more food, reduce hunger, and contribute to KwaZulu-Natal’s economic resilience.

Delivering his keynote address at the event, Ntuli noted the recent studies, which revealed that 15% of people in KwaZulu-Natal still experience food shortages, especially in rural areas.

These challenges have been worsened by recurring natural disasters, such as droughts and floods, and the lingering socio-economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Premier emphasised that the Provincial Government’s Multi-Planting Season Programme was a key response to these challenges, designed to boost local food production, improve livelihoods, and stimulate agricultural productivity across districts.

“Agriculture must be seen as a weapon to defeat hunger and grow our economy. We must work together to ensure that every piece of arable land is used productively to feed our people and strengthen our communities,” the Premier said.

He urged young people to see agriculture as a viable career path and a driver of socio-economic transformation.

The Premier also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting smallholder farmers through access to inputs, training, and infrastructure, as part of a broader effort to build a resilient and inclusive agricultural economy.

He emphasised that the success of the Multi-Planting Season relies on strong partnerships between government, farmers, private sector stakeholders, and communities.

“This collaborative approach is vital to ensuring that food production efforts translate into sustainable growth and improved quality of life in rural areas,” he said.

Ntuli was accompanied by MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Thembeni KaMadlopha Mthethwa, Harry Gwala District Speaker, Sibongiseni Mdunge, Deputy Mayor of Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma Local Municipality, Kholeka Hadebe, and senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The European Union’s €11.5 billion (R230 billion) investment package into South Africa is a springboard that will support the country on its march towards inclusive and sustainable growth.

This according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who addressed the nation through the weekly newsletter.

The package was announced last week by the EU at the Global Gateway Forum at held in Brussels, Belgium.

READ | President Ramaphosa welcomes €11.5 billion EU investment in South Africa

“This innovative partnership focuses on priorities that South Africa has set for itself as it strives to improve the lives of its people. These priorities include investment, the clean energy transition, skills and technology, connectivity and developing strategic industries. Importantly, the partnership will contribute to the work being done to create jobs.

“The investment package covers areas such as critical minerals, e-battery development, green hydrogen, renewable energy and vaccines. This will lead to the creation of a number of jobs, skills development and transfer of technology.

“As we said in Brussels, these investments will support our effort to build the economy of the future in the South Africa of the present. They will help to accelerate South Africa’s ambitious transition to a low-carbon economy that is just and inclusive,” President Ramaphosa said.

He explained that the package is aimed at mobilising finance to “invest in local processing and refining of minerals that are critical to the energy transition”, including investments in green hydrogen and the acceleration of large-scale solar and wind power projects, while boosting energy efficiency.

“As a country, we have always insisted that our energy transition must be just and inclusive, and that we must take deliberate measures to protect workers, communities and businesses that would be affected.

“That is why part of the investment package is dedicated to re-skill, train and provide entrepreneurship opportunities. It will also be used to expand access to clean water, waste management and energy efficient public services,” the President said.

Furthermore, the package will also support developing South Africa’s rail, road and ports infrastructure, logistics and digital connectivity

“These investments will also support the local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals through partnerships with regulatory authorities, as well as innovative research projects, training and capacity building on biotechnology and pharmaceutical infrastructure.

“As a country, we have made immense progress in overcoming our energy supply constraints through the improved performance by Eskom and a massive investment in renewable energy generation. We are improving efficiencies at our ports and opening our freight rail lines to private operators. We are undertaking a massive investment in infrastructure and streamlining regulations to improve the environment for investors.

“The progress we are making with our reforms is recognised and it’s making our country an investment destination. We are seen as the gateway into the African continent,” the President said.

He noted that the investment takes place at a time of a “more volatile global environment”.

“There is a significant realignment of trade and investment between countries. In addition, rapid advances in technology and the escalating climate crisis are contributing to greater uncertainty.

“That is why South Africa is forging ahead with the work of building a resilient and sustainable economy that address the needs of the present while positioning itself for the needs and challenges of the future,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has described his recent visit to Ireland as an important step in aligning the education and innovation ecosystems of South Africa and Ireland toward shared global development goals.

Manamela returned to South Africa following an official visit to Ireland last Wednesday, as part of the delegation accompanying President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The official visit consolidated the long-standing and strong relationship between South Africa and Ireland, particularly in science and innovation, higher education and skills development, and trade and investment.
On the eve of the official visit, Manamela and International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, visited Dogpatch Labs, one of Ireland’s leading innovation and start-up hubs.

The visit highlighted the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa, a partnership initiative driven by the Embassy of Ireland that identifies and supports high-potential South African tech entrepreneurs whose work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“This initiative demonstrates how collaboration in technology and innovation can empower young African innovators and advance our shared commitment to inclusive development,” Manamela said.

Manamela also held a bilateral meeting with Ireland’s Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Niall Lawless, focusing on expanding cooperation in:
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) teaching and research,
• Lecturer development and exchange programmes,
• Joint academic initiatives on Ireland’s role during the anti-apartheid movement, and
• The development of a Memorandum of Intent to formalise cooperation in higher education, innovation, and research.

The two Ministers also discussed Ireland’s participation in the upcoming G20 Education Working Group, which South Africa will host in Mpumalanga next week.
As part of the broader engagement with the President’s business roundtable, Manamela explored opportunities for Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) and skills-to-work transition programmes with Irish companies based in South Africa, particularly in manufacturing, agro-processing, and high-technology sectors.

Academic collaboration 

The Minister also met with a group of over 20 academics and researchers at Trinity College Dublin, where Professor Kader Asmal once taught law before returning to South Africa to serve as Minister of Education.

Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between Trinity College and South African universities, including the University of Johannesburg, Wits University, the University of the Western Cape, and Sefako Makgatho University, in fields such as immunology, creative arts, economics, and history.

Both sides agreed to build on existing collaborations and design joint research and postgraduate supervision programmes that reflect the enduring intellectual and moral ties between the two nations.

The visit also included discussions on expanding the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme, which has supported over 130 South African graduates to pursue postgraduate studies in Ireland since its establishment in 2013.

“This partnership goes beyond symbolism. It embodies the spirit of solidarity that Ireland extended during the anti-apartheid struggle, now renewed through shared investment in science, technology, and education.

“We are building a bridge between our histories of solidarity and our futures of shared innovation. The work ahead, through the proposed Memorandum of Intent will deepen cooperation in science, technology, innovation, and human development for the mutual benefit of both our nations,” Manamela said. – SAnews.gov.za