Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties with Austria, highlighting a range of mutually beneficial opportunities across key economic sectors.

Speaking at the South Africa-Austria Business Forum in Pretoria on Friday, President Ramaphosa underscored the importance of deepening economic collaboration between the two countries.

“It is my pleasure to address the South Africa-Austria Business Forum at this important time, as we seek to further deepen economic ties between our countries. 

“Austria and South Africa enjoy strong bilateral trade and investment relations spanning energy, industrial technology, pharmaceuticals and vocational training,” he said.

The President noted that trade between the two countries has been steadily increasing, with several Austrian companies operating in South Africa through direct investments, distribution, sales offices and service projects.

“There are many more opportunities for investment by Austrian companies in South Africa. There are opportunities in areas such as renewable energy generation, agro-processing and component manufacturing opportunities. 

“There are also opportunities in critical minerals beneficiations, pharmaceuticals, technology and innovation, among others,” President Ramaphosa said.

South Africa, he said, is showing signs of recovery following recent economic challenges. The improvement in electricity supply and a moderation in inflation are among the encouraging signs.

“We have embarked on a massive infrastructure drive, with key investments concentrated in energy, transport and logistics, water and sanitation, and digital infrastructure,” the President said.

He detailed the role of the country’s Infrastructure Fund, which has mobilised blended financing to support major projects across several sectors. At the same time, structural reforms are being implemented to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of energy and logistics sectors.

As the global economy transitions towards greener alternatives, President Ramaphosa said South Africa is positioning itself as a front-runner in the green and digital economy.

“South Africa has developed a regulatory framework to harness the potential of the hydrogen economy. We are actively developing an industrial plan to support the growth of electric vehicle and battery production,” he said. 

This industrial strategy includes incentives for manufacturers, investment in charging infrastructure and localisation of components. It is supported by an enabling policy environment, including the expansion of special economic zones and active participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). 

“Our special economic zones offer an internationally competitive value proposition with an attractive suite of incentives,” he noted.

President Ramaphosa said the AfCFTA will remove trade barriers and unlock greater investment opportunities, particularly for Austrian businesses looking to enter new markets across the continent.

“It will drive a wave of industrialisation and create dynamic regional value chains. This presents opportunities for Austrian businesses and investors,” he said.

Highlighting South Africa’s role as an anchor in regional value chains, he said the country’s manufacturing sector sources inputs from across the continent, which are then exported as finished goods.

South Africa also offers rich reserves of critical minerals for the energy transition, especially platinum group metals, giving it a competitive edge in producing sustainable energy technologies.

Beyond investment, President Ramaphosa said, South African businesses are keen to explore Austrian opportunities, particularly in organic food markets, renewable energy, and supply chains across mining, automotive and other sectors.

“There is high demand for our agricultural products in the EU, including high-quality South African wines and speciality foods like rooibos,” he said.

On tourism, the President expressed the country’s desire to see more Austrian tourists visiting South Africa and vice versa, with a particular interest in eco, sports, and heritage tourism.

He also welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding earlier in the day on technical and vocational training.

“We want to learn from Austria on how to achieve the delicate balance between building the workforce of the future and growing the skills needed by the economy today,” President Ramaphosa said. 

Closing his address, the President affirmed the South African government’s continued commitment to private sector collaboration as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation.

“By working together with all social partners, we have embarked on a new era of growth, progress and inclusive, shared prosperity. I am confident that the engagements, discussions and networking sessions from this forum will yield great benefits for both South African and Austrian companies. 

“It is clear from this Business Forum that there are abundant opportunities for even greater partnership, progress and shared prosperity,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za 

Source: Government of South Africa

By Gabi Khumalo

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – President Cyril Ramaphosa is in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for his working visit to attend the 17th BRICS Summit, which kicks off today.

The President, who arrived on Saturday evening, will attend the Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) Summit at the invitation of President of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Ahead of the high-level engagements, officials and delegations could be seen entering and exiting the summit venue making final preparations, while tight security measures were in place. 

The objectives for this year’s summit include highlighting the ongoing humanitarian impact of Israeli military action in Gaza and in conflicts in Sudan, Ukraine and Iran; and advocating for the sustainable resolution of conflicts through diplomacy, inclusive dialogue, and a commitment to the United Nations Charter.

The summit, taking place from 6 to 7 July 2025, will also explore ways of expanding tangible trade, tourism, investment, and financial cooperation within BRICS and with BRICS partner countries.

“For South Africa, these deliberations will enhance our efforts to further diversify trade and enhance resilience, growth and development. The summit will look into synergies between BRICS, COP30 (Conference of the Parties) and G20 (Group of Twenty) outcomes, including in global governance of artificial intelligence and prioritising climate finance that is just, accessible, and transformational.

“BRICS leaders will continue advocating for the reform of global governance systems to be more inclusive and representative of contemporary realities. This includes the goal of countries of the South for more meaningful participation of the global South in global decision-making processes and structures, including in the United Nations Security Council,” the Presidency said.

The specific objectives of South Africa’s engagement in BRICS are:
• To enhance the future growth and development of South Africa through its BRICS membership.
• To strengthen intra-BRICS relations and develop mutually beneficial cooperation across the three pillars of cooperation, political and security, financial and economic, and cultural and people-to-people cooperation.
• To shape global governance reform to be more equitable, balanced and representative.

South Africa has emphasised concrete cooperation that contributes both directly and indirectly to the priorities of a better South Africa, a better Africa, and a better world through its partnership in BRICS.

During the 17th BRICS Summit, session leaders are expected to deliberate on topics, including global governance reform, peace, and security, including a report by National Security Advisors.

“Heads of State and government will discuss a BRICS Leaders Statement on Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence. This will be followed by the adoption of a BRICS Leaders Framework Declaration on Climate Finance and the launch of the BRICS Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases.”

The summit will conclude with the adoption of the Rio de Janeiro Declaration.

The summit will be attended by leaders of the BRICS member states, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.

Member states participate in all BRICS meetings, while partner states participate principally in summits. Partner states may be invited to other meetings of the association if members agree on this.

Leaders of BRICS partner countries will come from Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda and Uzbekistan.

The Rio Summit will also be attended by leaders of outreach countries, which in the BRICS system are countries from the region, where the rotational Presidency is located.

In this context, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay have also been invited by the Government of Brazil to participate in the Rio gathering. 

The United Nations, the African Union (AU) and International Organisations will also participate.

Leaders of all BRICS members are confirmed for the Rio Summit with President Putin participating virtually and China represented by Premier Li Qiang.

President Ramaphosa is supported by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola; Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni; Deputy Minister of Finance Dr David Masondo and Deputy Minister of Trade Industry and Competition Zuko Godlimpi. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

Government says it has noted with serious concern the reported incidents where certain groups and communities have blocked foreign nationals from accessing healthcare services at public facilities.

Government has, in a statement on Saturday, called on all communities to uphold the rule of law, respect human dignity, and continue to work together to build a united and inclusive South Africa.

It said the South Africa Police Service, along with other law enforcement agencies, was implementing an operational plan to address the protests.

“While government understands the genuine frustrations of many citizens regarding the pressures on public services, including overburdened clinics and exhausted healthcare workers, members of the public are urged to raise such concerns through lawful and appropriate channels. 

“Taking the law into one’s own hands is unacceptable and undermines the values enshrined in our democratic Constitution,” said a statement issued by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

Such actions, said the GCIS, stand in direct violation of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which affirms the foundational values of human dignity, equality, and the advancement of human rights and freedoms. 

Section 27(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, clearly provides that “everyone has the right to have access to healthcare services”. 

“This right is not subject to an individual’s nationality or immigration status. Denying individuals healthcare based on their origin is a violation of our laws and values as a nation. 

“Additionally, South Africa is a signatory to several regional and international agreements that aim to ensure access to healthcare for its citizens and, in some cases, for individuals within its borders,” said the GCIS.

Government said it was actively working to strengthen the health system by increasing the number of healthcare personnel and expanding resources at public health facilities. 

These efforts are aimed at ensuring that all who rely on public services can access the care they need in a dignified and efficient manner. 

At the same time, government continues to address and manage migration-related issues in a lawful and orderly manner. 

“Law enforcement agencies are continuing to deal with all individuals who are in the country illegally, in line with the applicable laws and immigration processes. Illegal immigration will never be condoned in our country and government is strengthening border management and documentation systems to decisively address the issue,” said the GCIS.

The SAPS in collaboration with the Department of Health is deploying Public Order Police to maintain law and order during the protests at the affected health facilities.

“Law enforcement will continue to apply the zero tolerance approach for lawlessness, with decisive action taken against individuals taking the law into their own hands and intimidating patients at health facilities.”

Law enforcement officers working together with the Department of Home Affairs will continue to arrest and prosecute foreigners who violate the Immigration Act. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has affirmed that the budget allocated to the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) will enable it to carry out its mandate.

“We hope that it will assist funding campaigns aimed at fighting gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and building social cohesion. We hope that, with the support of government, it will achieve all that,” Morolong said.

The GCIS is an agency of government charged with coordinating, managing, and advising on all government communication with the public, including media liaison. It is a unit in the Office of the President and falls under the political authority of the Minister in the Presidency.

Speaking to SAnews after Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni presented the GCIS Budget Vote in Parliament on Friday, the Deputy Minister explained that part of the budget will be used to fund community media.

“It is part of our plans to fund the work of community televisions and radio stations, we will have to find better funding models, especially with our advertising,” Morolong said.

He had hoped more funds could be allocated to the GCIS but assured the public that the GCIS would render the required services to them.

“We will be able to carry out our mandate as expected and we will be able to run our campaigns as expected, however, we will continue to engage the National Treasury for additional funding,” he said.

The total budget allocation to the GCIS over the 2025 MTEF period (2025/26 to 2027/28 financial years) amounts to R2.468 billion, which is spread as follows:

• In 2025/26: R820. 281 million

• In 2026/27: R805. 731 million

• In 2027/28: R842.171 million.

During her Budget Vote speech, Ntshavheni said the GCIS continues to prioritise radio as a pervasive communication channel to reach South Africans in a language of their preference and to ensure that communities engage with government.

“In the last financial year, 1 086 radio products were used to inform citizens through differentiated formats,” Ntshavheni said.

The Minister said the GCIS of the future requires an extensive capital budget to accelerate digital transformation technologies and ensure that the department remains relevant, agile and productive as the Fourth Industrial Revolution rolls into the fifth.

“I table this budget for your support, and I undertake that we will use it diligently to serve the nation. I say this particularly … as South Africa prepares to hold a National Dialogue. The GCIS and its agencies stand ready to ensure South Africans have access to information that will enable their effective participation and feedback,” the Minister said.  

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that government would host a National Dialogue that will enable South Africans to participate in engagements that will confront the country’s challenges and forge a path into a better future.

It will be a people-led, society-wide process to reflect on the state of the country, with people from all walks of life who will come together and help shape the next chapter of South Africa’s democracy.

All South Africans will have an opportunity to participate as individuals or through organised formations. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

By Gabi Khumalo

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – All eyes are on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as the city prepares to welcome Heads of State and delegations from across the world for the 17th BRICS Summit.

The Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) nations will converge in the metro for high-level engagements at the Summit taking place on 6 and 7 July 2025.

Originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS has since expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. The new members were invited to join during the Johannesburg BRICS Summit, held in South Africa, in August 2023.

BRICS brings together major emerging economies, collectively representing around 49.5% of the global population, around 40% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and around 26% of global trade.

In preparing for the upcoming event, Rio has heightened security measures. On Friday afternoon, military personnel were deployed at strategic venues and sites, including hotels and museums.

Trucks delivering furniture and vehicles transporting international delegates were also seen entering and exiting the summit venue.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to arrive in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, while Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to participate virtually.

Representing the United Arab Emirates (UAE), His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, will lead the UAE delegation on behalf of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

Brazil assumed the BRICS Chairship on 1 January 2025 with the theme: “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for more Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”.

Brazil’s Presidency will focus on two priorities, including Global South Cooperation and the BRICS Partnerships for Social, and Economic and Environmental Development.

The flagship priorities of the Brazilian Chairship include global health cooperation; trade, investment, and finance; climate change; Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance; promoting global reform of the multilateral peace system and security architecture; and institutional development.

The key objectives of BRICS include strengthening economic, political, and social cooperation among its members, as well as increasing the influence of Global South countries in international governance.

Among its ambitions are reforms to global institutions such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the World Trade Organisation (WTO), with a focus on improving legitimacy, equity, and operational efficiency.

The group also seeks to improve the legitimacy, equity in participation, and efficiency of global institutions, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and the World Trade Organisation (WTO). – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

GCIS has repositioned itself as coordinator of government communication

Edwin
Fri, 07/04/2025 – 14:11

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has warmly welcomed Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen on his historic State Visit to South Africa.

This marks the first time an Austrian Head of State has visited the country since the dawn of democracy in 1994.

During a media briefing following officials talks between the two countries, President Ramaphosa reflected on the central-European country’s contribution to the fight against apartheid.

“Your Excellency, it’s an honour to have you here and I welcome you to South Africa. This is the first time that an Austrian Head of State has visited democratic South Africa.

“In our official talks, we took the opportunity to thank the Austrian people for their support during our struggle for democracy.

“We believe that this solidarity they pledged to the people of South Africa as they struggled against apartheid has laid a firm basis for our bilateral cooperation. 

“Your visit marks a new chapter for the relations between Austria and South Africa, as we seek to deepen investment and trade between our two countries,” President Ramaphosa said.

South Africa is Austria’s biggest trade partner in Africa, with nearly a third of all exports to the continent reaching South Africa shores.

Meanwhile, more 25% of all African exports to Austria are from South Africa.

“We have acknowledged the presence of more than 70 Austrian companies with subsidiaries and agencies in South Africa.

“Later today, [President Van der Bellen] and I will be participating in a high-level business forum that will explore the numerous ways and avenues for deepening cooperation and bilateral investments and trade between our two countries.

“South Africa welcomes the Republic of Austria’s ongoing commitment to our country’s development and to our efforts to drive inclusive growth and job creation,” President Ramaphosa said.

The two countries signed two memoranda of understanding on consular affairs and technical vocational education, as well as sharing reflections on the impact of geopolitical events.

“We affirmed the importance of multilateralism as we strive to realise a world free from conflict and war. We share the belief that the institutions of global governance, and particularly the United Nations Security Council, must be reformed to meet the challenges and realities of the world today. 

“We took this opportunity to discuss the theme we have chosen for South Africa’s G20 Presidency, namely ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’. It envisages a world order in which every person, every community and every country has equal opportunity to progress and to thrive.

“From our discussions today, it is clear that this is an aspiration that Austria and South Africa share. Austria is a valued partner of South Africa. This State Visit will further deepen our longstanding cooperation and strengthen the ties between our two peoples,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za