Category: South Africa Government

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National Convention to go ahead on 15 August, President

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has stressed that the first National Convention will proceed as planned on 15 August 2025, despite the challenges and calls for its postponement.

“The National Convention must happen so that South Africa’s people can take ownership and control of the National Dialogue. Invitations have gone out to organisations across the country, and delegates are preparing themselves to attend the convention. 

“It is at the National Convention that the people of South Africa will take over and run with the National Dialogue process,” the President said in a statement. 

This comes after representatives from the interim Preparatory Task Team (PTT) reported to the President that some members were divided on several issues. 

One major concern was the team’s readiness to host the National Convention as scheduled, along with other matters related to the organisation of the convention and the preparation for public dialogues.

Members of the PTT, representing several foundations involved in the initial planning of the National Dialogue, argued that the National Convention should be postponed to a later date.

Some foundations, including Thabo Mbeki, Steve Biko, and Desmond and Leah Tutu, as well as FW de Klerk, have since decided to withdraw from the initiative and step back from organising the event and participating in the PTT.

However, President Ramaphosa said he understood the National Convention to be a call to action for citizens to lead an inclusive dialogue on the challenges facing the country.

“Ever since we announced the date of the first National Convention, South Africans from all parts of society have been getting ready to take part in the local conversations that will follow. There is a great desire to get involved and be heard.”

President Ramaphosa stated that, despite the challenges faced, the first National Convention needed to take place this week and that postponing it is not feasible.

He expressed appreciation for the role played by the foundations in initiating, championing and driving the National Dialogue. 

While he expressed regret at their withdrawal from this part of the preparations, the President acknowledged their intention to continue to play a meaningful role in the National Dialogue as it unfolds.

The President has since met with the Co-Chairs, Deputy Chairs and the Secretary of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG). 

These are prominent South Africans who have accepted appointment by the President as volunteers who will use their standing and expertise to act as guarantors of the National Dialogue.

The Presidency said the meeting with the Eminent Persons Group leadership reflected broadly on progress towards the National Convention.

The EPG emphasised the need for inclusivity and credibility of the National Dialogue process.

They also called for more effective coordination, governance, as well as improved communication.

“The National Dialogue is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring all South Africans together to resolve our challenges and build a better future. The Eminent Persons Group stands ready to play its part in making this a reality,” said Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, Co-Chairperson of the EPG. 

The EPG members reaffirmed their commitment to using their influence and expertise voluntarily to ensure that the first National Convention lays a firm foundation for an inclusive and vibrant national conversation.

The National Convention will bring together 200 organisations from 33 different sectors to kickstart the National Dialogue process. 

Delegates are expected to advocate for the importance and benefits of a National Dialogue, outline key discussion themes, agree on the approach and methods for public dialogues, and finalise the establishment of a broadly representative Steering Committee to coordinate the implementation of the National Dialogue moving forward.

The Presidency believes that this week’s gathering will serve as a call to action for citizens to participate in an inclusive dialogue about the country’s challenges.

“The National Dialogue itself will take the form of public dialogues in localities and within various sectors across the country.

“To this end and in light of the difficulties within the PTT, the convention organising team has been reorganised and is being reinforced by various social partners and civil society formations. This will ensure that the National Convention is successfully held from 15 August 2025, and the National Dialogue process can begin.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Motsoaledi steps in to address N Cape health service challenges

Source: Government of South Africa

Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has visited the Northern Cape following the release of Health Ombud report on the treatment, complications, and deaths of psychiatric patients at the Northern Cape Mental Hospital (NCMHH) and the Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital (RMSH).

Last month, Health Ombud Professor Taole Mokoena, released a report about his findings on the investigations done at the Northern Cape Mental Hospital and Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital.

SAnews reported last month that the Health Ombud report revealed severe shortcomings in patient care, including prolonged damage to electricity infrastructure that left patients freezing to death, acute staff shortages, dangerous medical negligence, and poor facility conditions, such as broken windows and leaking roofs.

The investigation uncovered multiple critical issues, with patients exposed to extreme cold during electricity outages, with one patient dying from hypothermia and others developing serious medical complications.

The investigation found that two patients at NCMHH died due to poor conditions, one from hypothermia and another from pneumonia, while a third patient at RMSH died from a stroke. 

The Ombud found that inadequate medical care and failure to follow clinical protocols contributed to the deaths.

The investigation was prompted by Motsoaledi, requesting the Health Ombud to do an investigation. 

Motsoaledi, who had requested the Health Ombud to do an investigation, travelled to the Northern Cape province to meet with Premier Dr Zamani Saul, Health MEC Maruping Lekwene, Finance MEC Venus Blennies-Magage, and the management team of the Department of Health, to discuss some of these findings. 

“By and large, the findings have to do with issues of human resources, procurement, clinical protocols and practices, inside the hospitals themselves. In the report, some health workers, including doctors and nurses, were fingered for not having performed certain professional clinical functions with diligence.

“After the initial meeting, where the Minister met the Premier, the MECs for Health and Finance, the Director-General of the province, with their officials, it was then agreed that all the labour unions had to be met,” the statement released on Sunday read. 

The Minister met with representatives from five labour unions, including the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA), the Health and Other Services Personnel Trade Union of South Africa (HOSPERSA), the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU), the Public Servants Association of South Africa (PSA), and the National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (NUPSAW).

The Minister reported to them the purpose of the trip and the findings of the Health Ombud, and what is going to happen going forward. 

According to the department, the labour unions pointed out that they are unhappy about how the Health Ombud has fingered some of their members, and they wanted the Minister to investigate that. 

“The Minister informed them about the correct procedures in terms of the Health Ombud Report, that the Minister is not an appeals authority of the Health Ombud, and therefore he cannot review his reports. The Minister stated the law requires that when a person appeals, they must establish a three-member tribunal chaired by a retired judge or a retired magistrate. 

“The other two members may either be health professionals or legal professionals. Minister has, therefore, advised labour unions that anyone who is not happy, this standard procedure must be followed,” the department said.

Motsoaledi also provided an update to the unions on plans for improving staffing, procuring beds and linen, and hiring health workers in the health sector.

The visit ended with a site-visit at the two hospitals for the delegations to see for themselves some of the findings of the Health Ombud, and to acclimatise themselves in the shortest way possible, to try and implement the recommendations of the Health Ombud report. – SAnews.gov.za

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National Dialogue Convention to go ahead on 15 August, President

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has stressed that the first National Dialogue Convention will proceed as planned on 15 August 2025, despite the challenges and calls for its postponement.

“The National Convention must happen so that South Africa’s people can take ownership and control of the National Dialogue. Invitations have gone out to organisations across the country, and delegates are preparing themselves to attend the convention. 

“It is at the National Convention that the people of South Africa will take over and run with the National Dialogue process,” the President said in a statement. 

This comes after representatives from the interim Preparatory Task Team (PTT) reported to the President that some members were divided on several issues. 

One major concern was the team’s readiness to host the National Convention as scheduled, along with other matters related to the organisation of the convention and the preparation for public dialogues.

Members of the PTT, representing several foundations involved in the initial planning of the National Dialogue, argued that the National Convention should be postponed to a later date.

Some foundations, including Thabo Mbeki, Steve Biko, and Desmond and Leah Tutu, as well as FW de Klerk, have since decided to withdraw from the initiative and step back from organising the event and participating in the PTT.

However, President Ramaphosa said he understood the National Convention to be a call to action for citizens to lead an inclusive dialogue on the challenges facing the country.

“Ever since we announced the date of the first National Convention, South Africans from all parts of society have been getting ready to take part in the local conversations that will follow. There is a great desire to get involved and be heard.”

President Ramaphosa stated that, despite the challenges faced, the first National Convention needed to take place this week and that postponing it is not feasible.

He expressed appreciation for the role played by the foundations in initiating, championing and driving the National Dialogue. 

While he expressed regret at their withdrawal from this part of the preparations, the President acknowledged their intention to continue to play a meaningful role in the National Dialogue as it unfolds.

The President has since met with the Co-Chairs, Deputy Chairs and the Secretary of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG). 

These are prominent South Africans who have accepted appointment by the President as volunteers who will use their standing and expertise to act as guarantors of the National Dialogue.

The Presidency said the meeting with the Eminent Persons Group leadership reflected broadly on progress towards the National Convention.

The EPG emphasised the need for inclusivity and credibility of the National Dialogue process.

They also called for more effective coordination, governance, as well as improved communication.

“The National Dialogue is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring all South Africans together to resolve our challenges and build a better future. The Eminent Persons Group stands ready to play its part in making this a reality,” said Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, Co-Chairperson of the EPG. 

The EPG members reaffirmed their commitment to using their influence and expertise voluntarily to ensure that the first National Convention lays a firm foundation for an inclusive and vibrant national conversation.

The National Convention will bring together 200 organisations from 33 different sectors to kickstart the National Dialogue process. 

Delegates are expected to advocate for the importance and benefits of a National Dialogue, outline key discussion themes, agree on the approach and methods for public dialogues, and finalise the establishment of a broadly representative Steering Committee to coordinate the implementation of the National Dialogue moving forward.

The Presidency believes that this week’s gathering will serve as a call to action for citizens to participate in an inclusive dialogue about the country’s challenges.

“The National Dialogue itself will take the form of public dialogues in localities and within various sectors across the country.

“To this end and in light of the difficulties within the PTT, the convention organising team has been reorganised and is being reinforced by various social partners and civil society formations. This will ensure that the National Convention is successfully held from 15 August 2025, and the National Dialogue process can begin.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Statement by The Presidency on preparations for the National Convention

Source: President of South Africa –

In preparation for the first National Convention of the National Dialogue process, President Cyril Ramaphosa met on Thursday 7 August 2025 with representatives of the interim Preparatory Task Team (PTT), which has been given the responsibility of organising the convention and preparing for the public dialogues that will take place thereafter.
 
At the meeting, the representatives reported to the President that the members of the PTT were divided on a number of issues, including the state of readiness of the PTT to deliver the National Convention as scheduled to take place on 15 August 2025.
 
Members of the PTT representing some of the Foundations involved in the initial planning of the National Dialogue argued that the National Convention should be postponed to a later date.
 
President Ramaphosa said he understood the National Convention to be a call to action for citizens to lead an inclusive dialogue on the challenges facing the country.
 
“Ever since we announced the date of the first National Convention, South Africans from all parts of society have been getting ready to take part in the local conversations that will follow. There is a great desire to get involved and be heard.”
 
President Ramaphosa said that although challenges have been experienced, it was essential that the first National Convention proceed on 15 August 2025.
 
“The National Convention must happen so that South Africa’s people can take ownership and control of the National Dialogue. Invitations have gone out to organisations across the country and delegates are preparing themselves to attend the convention. It is at the National Convention that the people of South Africa will take over and run with the National Dialogue process,” he said.
 
As a consequence of the divisions within the PTT and the decision to proceed with the National Convention as scheduled, some of the Foundations have indicated that they would step back from organising the event and participation in the PTT. They told the President they nevertheless remained committed to the National Dialogue process and would continue to encourage participation.
 
President Ramaphosa expressed appreciation for the role played by the Foundations in initiating, championing and driving the National Dialogue. While he expressed regret at their withdrawal from this part of the preparations, he was encouraged by their intention to continue to play a meaningful role in the National Dialogue as it unfolds.
 
On Friday 8 August 2025, the President met with the co-chairs, deputy chairs and the secretary of the Eminent Persons Group. These are prominent South Africans who have accepted appointment by the President as volunteers who will use their standing and expertise to act as guarantors of the National Dialogue.
 
The meeting with the leadership of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) reflected broadly on progress towards the National Convention.  
 
The EPG emphasised the need for the inclusivity and credibility of the National Dialogue process. They also called for more effective coordination, governance as well as improved communication.
 
“The National Dialogue is a once in a lifetime opportunity to bring all South Africans together to resolve our challenges and build a better future. The Eminent Persons Group stands ready to play its part in making this a reality,” said Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, co-chairperson of the Eminent Persons Group.
 
Above all, the EPG members reaffirmed their commitment to voluntarily use their influence and expertise to ensure that the first National Convention laid a firm foundation for an inclusive and vibrant national conversation.
 
The first National Convention, which will bring together 200 organisations from 33 different sectors, will kickstart the National Dialogue process, by among others:
 

  • Endorsing the need for and value of a National Dialogue
  • Outlining key themes for discussion in the National Dialogue process
  • Agreeing on the approach and modalities for the public dialogues
  • Finalising the establishment of a broadly representative Steering Committee to coordinate the implementation of the National Dialogue going forward

 
The National Convention will be a call to action for citizens to lead an inclusive dialogue on the challenges facing the country. The National Dialogue itself will take the form of public dialogues in localities and within various sectors across the country.
 
To this end and in light of the difficulties within the PTT, the convention organising team has been reorganised and is being reinforced by various social partners and civil society formations. This will ensure that the National Convention is successfully held from 15 August 2025 and the National Dialogue process can begin.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President Ramaphosa calls for greater economic empowerment of women

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged South Africans to accelerate efforts to empower women economically and tackle the complex barriers such as poverty, inequality and unemployment that continue to hinder their development.

Speaking at the National Women’s Day commemoration at Nkowankowa Stadium in Tzaneen, Limpopo, on Saturday. President Ramaphosa saluted the achievements of South African women over the years, including their pivotal role in transforming the nation and contributing to socio-economic development.

“This celebration is also a clarion call to accelerate the role of women in the economy and empower them, as well as tackle the complex barriers, which hinder their development,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President highlighted government measures to increase women’s participation in the workforce, bridge the gender pay gap, and greater inclusion in every sector of the economy, including leadership positions.

“Over a quarter of top managers in the private sector are women. Today, South Africa ranks second out of the G20 countries in terms of female representation. Forty-two per cent of Members of Parliament are women, this is higher than a number of developed countries,” the President said.

While acknowledging this progress, the President emphasised that “it is not enough, [and] we cannot rest until we have achieved gender equality throughout society.” and called for renewed commitment to achieving full gender equality across society.”

He said women in South Africa today, continue to reap the benefits of the changes that were ushered in through the brave actions of the women of 1956.

The President also noted government’s achievements, including accelerated access to basic services, social welfare, and economic opportunities for women, lifting millions out of absolute poverty.

“The Employment Equity Act and other progressive laws have paved the way for more equitable representation of women in the economy – and by this one must add all women, whether they are Black or White.

“The proportion of women in the workforce has been increasing. The empowerment of women contributes to sustainable development, inclusive growth, and the cultivation of resilient communities.

“About 40 percent of preferential procurement in the public sector is awarded to women-owned businesses. Women-owned SMMEs are also supported through the National Empowerment Fund, the Small Enterprise Finance Agency, and National Infrastructure Fund,” the President highlighted.

March for women’s rights continues

In her opening remarks, Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga encouraged women to continue to march for their rights like the 1956 women who marched to the Union Buildings, with a focus on tackling gender-based violence and Femicide (GBVF).

“The march must continue till we are free. We still live in a society, where there are women trapped in abusive relationships,” Chikunga said.

Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba, called on women to establish themselves and carry each other’s problems.

Women are resilient and capable. We must be given opportunities to empower ourselves,” she said.

She also urged women who are trapped in abusive relationships to seek help.

For many women in Limpopo, the day symbolised liberation from many social ills.

Mandy Shikwambana, from Giyani, told SAnews that government must ensure protection of women and ensure that they live freely without been abused by their partners.

“Women are the cornerstone of every nation and yet they are oppressed by their partners. Government must ensure that women are protected,” Shikwambana said.

Another resident, Precious Ralikgo called on government to continue to educate women about their rights.

“There are many women who are being abused by their partners, but they do not know where to go for help. Those men who abuse women must go to jail — that is the only way to end violence against women and children,” Ralikgo said.

Every year on 9 August, South Africans from diverse backgrounds, races, and cultural groups come together to celebrate National Women’s Day.

On 9 August 1956, a significant number of women launched a campaign aimed at ending the pass laws imposed by the government at that time.

This year’s commemoration is held under the theme: ’Building Resilient Economies for All’. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa on the occasion of Women’s Day

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director,
Minister of Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities, Ms. Sindiswa Chikunga,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Premier of Limpopo, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba,
Executive Mayor of the Mopani District Municipality, Cllr Pule Shayi,
MEC’s
Community, religious and traditional leaders present,
Representatives of political parties,
Residents of Limpopo and of the Mopani District Municipality
Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Fellow South Africans
 
Dumelang. Avuxeni. Ndi Matsheloni. Lotjhani. Sanibonani. Goeie môre. Molweni. 
Good morning.
Greetings to all the women of South Africa. It is an honour to be here in Limpopo to celebrate Women’s Day with our mothers, our grandmothers, our sisters and our daughters. 
We, the fathers, grandfathers, uncles and sons of our nation celebrate alongside you today. 
We honour you, we pay tribute to – the ones who are the very fabric of our nation. 
Men and women complement each other. We are equal. Under our constitution. Before the law. And so should it be in our homes, in our communities, in our marriages and in our families. 
When a woman is empowered – everyone gets empowered.  When women prosper, we all prosper. When women rise, we all rise. 
Today we pay tribute to all women of South Africa – Izimbokodo. Our Helpers. Our Anchors. The possessors of unique empathy, kindness and compassion.
 
On this day we pay homage to the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on the 9th of August 1956 to protest against the extension of the pass laws.
Men were already subjected to the humiliation of carrying the dreaded dompas but it took women who were considered as minors at the time to stop the apartheid government in its oppressive tracks. 
 
As we commemorate Women’s Day and Women’s Month, we salute the achievements of women over the years, including their pivotal role in transforming the nation, and in contributing to socio-economic development. 
 
This celebration is also a clarion call to accelerate the role of women in the economy and empower them as well as tackle the complex barriers, such as poverty, inequality and unemployment, that hinder their development. 
 
The theme for this year’s Women’s Month celebration is: “Building Resilient Economies for All”. 
 
The overarching purpose of this commemoration is to promote women’s participation and representation in leadership and the economy. 
 
It is focused on advancing women’s access to decent work, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and care infrastructure. It reinforces the paradigm that resilient economies are those that are inclusive, equitable and gender responsive. 
 
As government, we have enacted robust policies to increase women’s participation in the workforce and bridge the gender pay gap. 
 
These developments indicate South Africa’s resolute drive towards establishing gender parity. We have consistently grown the number of women taking on leadership and decision-making roles.
 
The heroic women of 1956 and many others paved the way for equal rights, including gender equality and empowerment. 
 
Their courageous actions culminated in the creation of a non-sexist, non-racial state cemented through our constitution, and policies and legislation that advance women’s social and economic development. 
 
There is greater inclusion of women in every sector of the economy, including leadership positions. Over a quarter of top managers in the private sector are women. Today, South Africa ranks second out of the G20 countries in terms of female representation. Forty-two per cent of our MP’s are women, this is higher than a number of developed countries.
 
This is progress. But it is not enough. We cannot rest until we have achieved gender equality throughout society.
 
Today the women of our country continue to reap the benefits of the changes that were ushered in through the brave actions of the women of 1956.
 
Over the years government has accelerated women’s access to basic services, including social welfare provisions and economic opportunities, lifting millions out of absolute poverty. 
 
The Employment Equity Act and other progressive laws have paved the way for more equitable representation of women in the economy – and by this one must add all women, whether they are black or white.
 
The proportion of women in the workforce has been increasing.
 
The empowerment of women contributes to sustainable development, inclusive growth and the cultivation of resilient communities. 
 
About 40 percent of preferential procurement in the public sector is awarded to women-owned businesses. 
 
Women-owned SMMEs are also supported through the National Empowerment Fund, the Small Enterprise Finance Agency and National Infrastructure Fund. 
 
Government continues to work towards enhancing gender equality and women empowerment.
 
As government, we are committed to expanding economic opportunities for women through skills training, entrepreneurial support, access to funding and multi-sectoral partnerships to place women in key sectors of the economy. 
 
We also continue our work to increase the participation of women in sectors such as science, technology, engineering and maths, as well as the green economy and industrial sectors.
 
Government also seek to increase women’s role in digital finance which includes digital banking, payments, access to finance and investments. 
 
Women-led enterprises are being supported through policies, mentorships and funding. Through capacity building initiatives, we aim to increase the participation of women in politics, business and civil society.
 
In Greater Tzaneen, women make up a significant portion of the population and continue to play critical roles in education, health, agriculture and the informal economy.
 
And yet, much like in most parts of the country, women battle unacceptable levels of gender-based violence, high unemployment rates, teenage pregnancy, limited access to economic opportunities, and patriarchal social structures that are barriers to their full empowerment.
 
Women struggle with access to basic services, especially water. 
 
Many of you rely on boreholes but they are often non-functional due to theft, lack of maintenance and infrastructure failure. 
 
We cannot and we will not leave anyone behind – including the people of Tzaneen and Limpopo at large. There are therefore serious questions that need to be answered when it comes to service delivery in this area, and around the need for accountability. 
 
I want to call on the leadership of the province to honour the women of 1956 by ensuring their descendants, the women of today, are able to lead lives of dignity through the provision of basic services.
 
Even as we have come a long way with respect to gender equality – we are still on this arduous journey – we dare not give up, or the next generation will be left with no inheritance.
 
The greatest challenge we face in this country is the pandemic of violence against women and children. 
 
We condemn the many high cases of gender-based violence and femicide recorded in our nation.
 
Real men do not abuse women. Real men do not rape women. Real men do not kill women.
 
Let us strive to be a society where we teach young boys that women are to be protected, and respected, and not abused. A society where men and boys understand the meaning of consent in sexual relationships.  A society where men do not use their money and influence to engage in predatory behaviour towards women. A society that does not condone the ill-treatment of women and children under the guise of culture or tradition.
 
Let us strive to be a society where someone’s sexual orientation is their business, and where we are clear that nobody, not a man, not a boy, not another woman, has the right to discriminate against or use violence against another because of how they choose to identify.
 
Ending the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide requires the efforts of government, business, labour, civil society and every member of society.
 
We must break the silence. This criminality thrives in a culture of silence. 
 
We have introduced new legislation to enhance protection of women and children and strengthen the punishment of perpetrators. 
 
Government has also increased the number of sexual offences courts and a number of police stations across the country are now better equipped to manage gender-based violence cases. These include the facilities at the Bolobedu police station, and the upgraded family law facilities at the Ga-Kgapane Magistrates Court.
 
To all the perpetrators of violence against women and children I’d like to say: you can run but you cannot hide.  
 
We have zero tolerance for the abuse of women and children. It will never be acceptable, not now, not ever.
 
Fellow South Africans,
 
As a people and as a country we have emerged from situations that destroyed other nations. 
 
Our unity is our strength. We may differ politically, religiously and socially but the glue that connects us all is our respect for human rights. And women’s rights are human rights. They cannot be separated. 
 
On this important day, let us collectively recommit ourselves to playing our part in building a future where the equality of men and women is not something on paper, but a reality. 
 
I wish all the women of South Africa a happy Women’s Day. 
 
I thank you.

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President Ramaphosa sends condolences to Ghana after helicopter crash

Source: Government of South Africa

President Ramaphosa sends condolences to Ghana after helicopter crash

President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended condolences to the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, following a helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, including two government ministers.

Ghana’s Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, were among the people killed when a military aircraft crashed in the central Ashanti region on Wednesday.

President Ramaphosa said the thoughts of the people of South Africa are with the bereaved families of all the victims of the tragedy.

“President Ramaphosa recalled that South Africa and Ghana share historical relations dating back to the days of the fights against colonialism and apartheid, adding that relations between the two countries have since grown exponentially over the years,” spokesperson to the President, Vincent Magwenya said in a statement.

President Ramaphosa also expressed solidarity with the government and people of Ghana as they mourn the tragedy. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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President Ramaphosa, Zelenskyy discuss Russia-Ukraine peace process

Source: Government of South Africa

Saturday, August 9, 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa has received a briefing from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on a peace process between Russia and Ukraine.

During a telephone discussion on Friday afternoon, President Zelenskyy expressed his appreciation for South Africa’s continued support in finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

He reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to securing a lasting peace with Russia.

“President Ramaphosa welcomed the briefing and pledged South Africa’s ongoing support to peace initiatives that will end the war and loss of lives and destruction to infrastructure,” the Presidency said in statement.

The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to continue building mutually beneficial bilateral ties for the advancement of their respective economies and peoples. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa offers condolences and solidarity to Government and people of Republic of Ghana

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa, has, on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, conveyed a message of condolences to H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, following a helicopter crash which claimed the lives of eight people, including Ghana’s Minister of Defence, Hon. Edward Omane Boamah, and Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed. 

President Ramaphosa said the thoughts of the people of South Africa are with the bereaved families of all the victims of the tragedy. 

President Ramaphosa recalled that South Africa and Ghana share historical relations dating back to the days of the fights against colonialism and apartheid, adding that relations between the two countries have since grown exponentially over the years.

President Ramaphosa concluded by expressing solidarity with the Government and the people of Ghana as they mourn this tragic loss.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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President Ramaphosa launches Zuikerbosch water purification plant

Source: Government of South Africa

Against the backdrop of towering filtration tanks and the steady hum of advanced purification machinery, President Cyril Ramaphosa today officially launched the new System 5A Water Purification Plant at Rand Water’s Zuikerbosch Station in Vereeniging, Gauteng. 

The launch marks a major milestone in securing sustainable water supply for South Africa’s economic heartland, ensuring that millions of households and industries will have access to reliable, high-quality water for decades to come.

The Zuikerbosch Water Treatment Works System, the largest of its kind in Africa, is a key part of Rand Water’s long-term infrastructure plan. The newly constructed System 5A will add 600 million litres of potable water per day to the network — enough to supply an additional 2.4 million people.  

The plant will benefit municipalities in Gauteng, parts of Mpumalanga, North West and the Free State, strengthening the region’s resilience against water shortages.

In his address, President Ramaphosa celebrated the completion of this plant, noting that the launch delivers on the commitment he made in the 2025 State of the Nation Address to take decisive steps to address South Africa’s water challenges.  

“We are celebrating the completion of a vital piece of infrastructure, and we are affirming our shared commitment to the people of South Africa to continuously provide clean, reliable and safe water.  

“Water is not just a basic human need. It is the lifeblood of any thriving society. Water sustains life, supports industry, empowers agriculture and fuels innovation. Our people expect clean water when they turn on the tap. Clean water is not a luxury. It is a right,” the President said. 

The President stressed that water infrastructure is both a social imperative and an economic enabler, supporting industry, agriculture, and public health. He also called for vigilance against the theft and vandalism of infrastructure, and for a culture of consistent maintenance.

A project of national importance

System 5A is a flagship project of Rand Water’s long-term infrastructure plan and it draws its raw water from the Vaal River via the Integrated Vaal River System. 

Phase 1 of System 5A, delivering 150 million litres per day, came online in August 2023, with the full 600 million litres per day capacity expected by December 2025. 

Its treatment process includes the dosing of lime and ferric chloride for coagulation, gravity sedimentation in 100-metre-long tanks, pH correction using carbon dioxide, rapid sand filtration, and final chlorination before distribution. 

Valued at R4.8 billion, the project has delivered significant socio-economic benefits since its inception in 2019. It has created 871 jobs across skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled levels, while training more than 2,140 beneficiaries in construction-related trades. 

In addition, 48 small, medium, and micro enterprises have been awarded contracts worth R177.7 million, and R10.4 million has been invested in community development initiatives benefiting schools, early childhood development centres, and non-governmental organisations.

“Besides the additional 600 million litres of water per day that will be added to Rand Water’s capacity, the System 5 project has made a significant social and economic contribution. 

“This project demonstrates what can be achieved when all spheres of government are working together. It encapsulates the spirit of the District Development Model,” the President said. 

Inside the plant

Before his address, the President toured the sprawling facility, flanked by Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Mayor of the City of Johannesburg Dada Morero, local mayors, and Rand Water executives. 

The walk-through included stops at the raw water abstraction system, innovative spiral flocculators, vast sedimentation tanks, rapid sand filtration units, and the high-pressure pumping facilities that will transfer treated water into municipal reservoirs.  

Officials explained the plant’s advanced treatment process: lime and ferric chloride dosing, gravity sedimentation, pH correction with carbon dioxide, rapid sand filtration, and final chlorination before distribution.  

At one point, the President paused to chat with employees, shaking hands, asking about their work, and congratulating them on the facility’s scale and sophistication.

One encounter drew smiles all around – Mohlago Angie Moekwa, a young Black woman and qualified Water Supply Engineer trained at Tshwane University of Technology through NSFAS, personally guided the President through the plant.

“The real success of our democracy is that it’s you. You are a Black woman, you are young, and you are our success story. When I spoke about Tintswalo in Parliament, I was speaking about you,” the President told Moekwa. 

The project’s strategic importance lies in its ability to enhance water security for Gauteng’s major metros and surrounding municipalities, support economic and industrial growth, and provide a robust supply network in the face of climate variability and population growth. It also aligns with the National Development Plan 2030’s vision for sustainable, infrastructure-led growth.

“System 5 signifies a purification model for the future. Infrastructure must not only meet today’s needs; it must withstand tomorrow’s uncertainties. We must innovate boldly, invest wisely and ensure that our water systems are climate resilient,” the President said. 

The launch of System 5A coincides with Rand Water’s 121st anniversary and reinforces the utility’s position as one of the largest bulk water suppliers in the world. 

Once fully operational, the facility will stand as a generational asset for the region, securing its water supply for decades and setting a benchmark for sustainable infrastructure development in South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za