Tag Archives: The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president

Auto industry continues to drive investment, jobs and innovation

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By REGINALD KANYANE

28 July 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africa has a well-established auto manufacturing industry that is more than a century old. Ramaphosa said it has proven to be one of the most resilient sectors of our economy. 

He further said since the first assembly plants were established in the Eastern Cape in the 1920s, the auto industry has grown to become the largest manufacturing sector in the country. Ramaphosa added that South Africa’s role in global vehicle manufacturing has expanded and grown. 

“Auto companies like Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have plants here in our country that produce vehicles for the local market and for export to many other countries in the world. A number of these companies continue to expand their investments in our country. The sector currently supports more than 115,000 direct manufacturing jobs and more than 500,000 across the value chain.

“It contributes approximately 5.3% to GDP. However, the industry is under growing pressure. The introduction of stricter vehicle emissions regulations in leading export destinations such as the European Union, as well as new tariffs from the United States, are expected to have a significant impact on the sector,” he said.

Ramaphosa said with exports currently accounting for approximately two-thirds of local vehicle production, it is critical that we strengthen the sector to not only overcome current headwinds, but to ensure its long-term sustainability. He said last week, he attended the launch of BMW’s new X3 plug-in hybrid at the company’s Rosslyn plant in Tshwane. South Africa is the exclusive global production site for this model.

“The shift from internal combustion engines (ICE) towards hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) in a number of markets means that green mobility is becoming increasingly important for automotive manufacturers. The latest investment by BMW following their pledge at our South Africa Investment Conference in 2023 is a welcome signal to investors that South Africa remains a favourable place to do business.

“As government, we are working to ensure there is an enabling regulatory and policy environment to support the growth of this burgeoning industrial activity. Our five South Africa Investment Conferences, where we invited companies to make investment pledges that are translated into actual investments, is an important platform for companies to declare their investment intention to South Africa and demonstrate that South Africa is an investable market,” said Ramaphosa.

He said government support to the car manufacturing industry through the Automotive Production and Development Programme will position South Africa as a key global manufacturing base for vehicles of the future. Ramaphosa said this is not just critical to the sustainability of the sector, but to growing the workforce and skills of the future. 

“BMW, for example, has a training academy that focuses on competencies like EV assembly and robotics. The company is also a founding partner of the Youth Employment Service (YES), which was established between the government and the private sector to create work experience opportunities for young people.

“This initiative introduces young people into the world of work for a year of experience and training. Often if they meet the standards of the participating company they stand a good chance of being absorbed as employees of the company. BMW’s participation in this programme has supported more than 3,500 young people with training and work placements across all nine provinces. 

“We have invited more companies to participate in the Youth Employment Service (YES) programme as broadly as BMW has done. We are working to ensure that more production takes place locally, creating more employment. To do this, we must upskill our workforce and facilitate the creation of new companies across the value chain. As such, we welcome initiatives by the sector to support skills development through initiatives such as the Centre of Excellence at the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone,” he said.

Ramaphosa said this centre has an artisan training academy, an incubation hub and a science, technology, engineering and mathematics programme for high school learners.  He said there are also a number of industry-driven training initiatives focusing on technical and artisanal skills, and deepening collaboration between government departments, vocational colleges and companies to grow a new skills pipeline.

“Protecting existing jobs in the sector is paramount, particularly in the light of the looming US tariffs. The need to diversify our export base has become all the greater. We are committed to working with the sector to expand its continental footprint, building on the already strong growth of exports to the SADC region and leveraging the trade relationships that exist. 

“Amid these challenges, South Africa’s auto industry is making the investments needed to build resilience, protect jobs and lead the way into a new era of green mobility,” said Ramaphosa.

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Buti Manamela appointed as new Minister of Higher Education and Training

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Picture: New Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela

By BAKANG MOKOTO

21 July 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa has in terms of Section 91 (2) appointed Buti Manamela as the new Minister of Higher Education and Training. Ramaphosa said Manamela was until this appointment, serving as Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, a role he held from the 7th administration.

“Consequently, I have in terms of Section 93 (b), appointed Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube as the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training. Dube’s long government leadership experience includes serving as KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional affairs and Premier of the Province of KwaZulu-Natal.

“Section 93 (b) empowers the President to appoint no more than two Deputy Ministers from outside the Assembly,” he said.

Meanwhile, the former Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane said she would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Ramaphosa for entrusting her with responsibility to serve as Minister of Higher Education and Training. Nkabane said it has been a privilege to lead this important portfolio.

“I am grateful to the sector and the people of South Africa for their support and for allowing me to serve in this capacity. I remain committed to the service of our people and the advancement of our country’s development,” she said.

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SIU investigation into NWDC expanded

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By OBAKENG MAJE

21 July 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa has signed Proclamation 270 of 2025, amending Proclamation 30 of 2019 to expand the Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU) probe into the North West Development Corporation (NWDC). The amendment specifically authorises the SIU to investigate contracts awarded to Tokiso Security Services CC to provide security services to the NWDC and other provincial government entities.

The SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago said the original proclamation had empowered the SIU to investigate maladministration related to the establishment of Tokiso Security Services as a subsidiary of the NWDC. Kganyago said the new amendment extends this mandate to examine all contracts, where Tokiso Security Services CC was appointed to render security services to the NWDC, provincial departments, public entities and government business enterprises in the North West.

“The expansion of the investigation scope will allow the SIU to determine whether the security service contracts were awarded appropriately and if any irregularities, maladministration, or financial losses to the state occurred during the procurement process.

“The SIU will investigate whether proper procedures were followed in appointing Tokiso Security Services CC and whether any officials, employees, or service providers acted improperly. Additionally, the amendment extends the investigation period to include conduct up to the date of the proclamation’s publication on 18 July 2025,” he said.

Kganyago further said the original Proclamation (R.30 of 2019) also authorised the SIU to investigate irregularities in contracts associated with the NWDC, including the Youth Enterprise Combo implemented by MVEST Protecting the public interest and assets through prevention measures and systemic investigations to eradicate fraud, maladministration, and corruption. He added the trust, security services provided by Naphtronics (Pty) Ltd and the purchase of the Christiana Hotel and Game Farm.

“Beyond investigating maladministration, corruption, and fraud, the SIU is committed to identifying systemic failures and recommending measures to prevent future losses. In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.

“Under the SIU Act, the SIU is also authorised to initiate a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing identified during its investigation resulting from acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration,” said Kganyago.

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Ramaphosa: “We are making steady progress on economic reform”

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By BAKANG MOKOTO

21 July 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said they are making steady progress on economic reform. Ramaphosa said last week, they released a progress report on Operation Vulindlela, a government-wide initiative to accelerate progress on economic reform.

He further said this report shows that the economic reform programme is making steady progress, opening the way to more rapid, inclusive and sustainable growth and job creation. Ramaphoisa added that they established Operation Vulindlela in the 6th administration to remove the binding constraints that have long held back the economy’s growth such as an unreliable energy supply, inefficient rail and ports, high data costs, and a visa system that had deterred investors and tourists.

“We have made significant progress since then in clearing these obstacles with a clear view to enhance economic growth. The reduction in load shedding over the past year was supported by the reforms that we introduced to unlock private investment in electricity generation, while reforms in the telecommunications sector have brought down the cost of mobile data.

“We have reduced the turnaround times for approval processes for water use licences and energy projects, made great progress in clearing the visa application backlog, and expanding the eVisa scheme. In April 2025, we commenced the next phase of Operation Vulindlela to build on these successes and initiate a second wave of reform,” he said.

Ramaphosa said they are moving quickly towards a competitive electricity market, which will introduce greater competition in electricity generation and reduce the chances of experiencing load shedding again. He said the reform underway in the energy sector will introduce greater choice for consumers and drive down costs.

“As part of this process, work is underway to establish an independent Transmission System Operator within the next five years, in line with the Electricity Regulation Act. We have also made significant progress towards enabling greater investment in our transmission network, including from the private sector, with regulations to govern these investments.

“In April, the Rail Infrastructure Manager was established as a separate operating division of Transnet with its own management and reporting structure. It has made capacity available across the freight rail network to private train operating companies and has received 98 requests for access to date,” said Ramaphosa.

He said a revised Network Statement will soon be published and capacity allocated in response to these requests, marking the start of open competition in freight rail. Ramaphosa said a Private Sector Participation Unit has been established within the Development Bank of Southern Africa to facilitate and fast-track private sector participation in logistics.

“A request for information for private sector participation projects in the rail system and ports has received a strong response from the market, and will enable us to mobilise new investment to modernise and expand our logistics infrastructure.

“The reform of our visa system is making it much easier for people to visit South Africa and bring much-needed skills and investment while enhancing border security through the Border Management Authority, which we established in the Sixth Administration as part of the reform process. An Electronic Travel Authorisation system has been developed by the Department of Home Affairs and is being prepared to go live in September 2025,” he said.

Ramaphosa said as part of Operation Vulindlela Phase II, they are also reforming the local government system to ensure that basic services such as water and electricity – which are essential for economic growth – are delivered efficiently and reliably. He said several metros have submitted plans for the turnaround of their water and electricity utilities that outline a clear pathway for the ring-fencing of water and electricity services.

“Progress against these action plans will enable these municipalities to access a new performance-based incentive from the National Treasury to drive much greater investment in water and electricity infrastructure. All of these reforms are designed to boost economic growth and create jobs for South Africans.

The claims by some opposition parties that these reforms represent a form of privatisation are baseless and misguided.

“The measures we are taking are common sense reforms that will preserve public ownership of key infrastructure while introducing greater competition, dynamism and investment. A number of our peer countries introduced similar reforms, which have powered their economies to higher levels of growth,” said Ramaphosa.

He said even as the world faces difficult economic headwinds, our economic reform agenda will create the conditions for higher growth and investment, while renewing our infrastructure for generations to come.

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Ramaphosa calls on law enforcement agencies to remain steadfast

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By REGINALD KANYANE

14 July 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa has launched a Commission of Inquiry to probe explosive allegations levelled against Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Judiciary and some of Members of Parliament (MPs). This came after the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleged that some politicians and prosecutors are in bed with criminals.

Ramphosa further said the matter raised concerns the security of the country, the integrity of the law enforcement agencies and the safety of the people. He added that Mkhwanazi alleged that there is an existence and operation of a sophisticated criminal syndicate that has infiltrated law enforcement and intelligence structures in South Africa.

“Mkhwanazi alleged that Mhcunu interfered with sensitive police investigations and colluded with business people, including a murder accused, to disband the Political Killings Task Team based in KwaZulu-Natal.

“Mkhwanazi also said that a police investigation by the task team in Gauteng unmasked a syndicate controlled by a drug cartel, which involves politicians, law enforcement officials from the SAPS, metro police and correctional services, prosecutors and the judiciary, as well as business people,” said Ramaphosa.

He said the allegations made in this media briefing raise serious concerns around the constitution, the rule of law and national security. Ramaphosa said these allegations, if proven true, threaten to undermine the confidence of South Africans in the ability of the South African Police Service to protect them and to effectively fight crime and corruption.

“South Africans are concerned about corruption and the rise of criminality in our country, which manifests itself in the killing of innocent people, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), gang violence, kidnappings, construction mafia criminality and many others.

“As we intensify the fight against crime, it is vital that we safeguard the integrity and credibility of the police and other law enforcement agencies. These allegations therefore call for an urgent and comprehensive investigation. To address these allegations and the implications of these allegations, I am establishing a judicial commission of inquiry chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga,” he said.

Ramaphosa said Madlanga will be assisted by Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC and Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC. He said the Commission will investigate allegations relating to the infiltration of law enforcement, intelligence and associated institutions within the criminal justice system by criminal syndicates.

“Among the allegations that the Commission may investigate are the facilitation of organised crime, suppression or manipulation of investigations, inducement into criminal actions by law enforcement leadership, commission of any other criminal offences and intimidation, victimisation or targeted removal of whistle-blowers or officials resisting criminal influence.

“The Commission will investigate the role of current or former senior officials in certain institutions who may have aided or abetted the alleged criminal activity, failed to act on credible intelligence or internal warnings, or benefited financially or politically from a syndicate’s operations,” said Ramaphosa.

He said these institutions are the South African Police Service, National Prosecuting Authority, State Security Agency, the Judiciary and Magistracy, and the metropolitan police departments of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane. Ramahosa said the Commission will also investigate whether any members of the National Executive responsible for the criminal justice system, were complicit, aided and abetted, or participated in the acts mentioned above.

“The Commission will be asked to report on the effectiveness or failure of oversight mechanisms, and the adequacy of current legislation, policies and institutional arrangements in preventing such infiltration.

“It will make findings and recommendations for criminal prosecutions, disciplinary actions and institutional reform. Once established, the Commission shall consider prima facie evidence relating to the involvement of individuals currently employed within law enforcement or intelligence agencies,” he said. 

Ramaphosa said where appropriate, the Commission must make recommendations on the employment status of such officials, including whether they should be suspended pending the outcome of further investigations.  He said the Commission will have the power to refer matters for immediate criminal investigation and urgent decisions on prosecution, taking into account the nature of the allegations and evidence the Commission will uncover.

“It is critical that these matters be attended to with the necessary urgency and thoroughness. The Commission is expected to complete its work and submit a final report to the President. Interim reports are expected after 3 and 6 months respectively.

“The final report of the Commission will be sent to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chief Justice. Madlanga is retiring from the Constitutional Court at the end of July 2025, after years of distinguished service, and will therefore be able to give his full time and attention to the work of this commission,” said Ramaphosa.

He said in order for the Commission to execute its functions effectively, he has decided to put the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu on a leave of absence with immediate effect.  Ramaphosa said Mchunu has undertaken to give his full cooperation to the Commission to enable it to do its work. 

“I have decided to appoint Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting Minister of Police. Cachalia is currently a professor of law at the University of the Witwatersrand and is the chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council.

“He previously served as an MEC of Community Safety in Gauteng. I am appointing Cachalia in terms of Section 91(3)(c) of the Constitution, which empowers the President to select no more than two Ministers from outside the National Assembly,” said Ramaphosa.

He said Cachalia will be retiring from his current position at the University of Witwatersrand at the end of July. Ramaphosa said he will appoint an acting Minister from within the Cabinet until Cachalia takes up his post at the beginning of August.

“This Commission is being established against the backdrop of significant progress in rebuilding and strengthening our country’s law enforcement agencies and security services. In recent years, the South African Police Service, the Special Investigating Unit, the Asset Forfeiture Unit and other bodies have been making important inroads in the fight against organised crime and corruption.

“It is essential that we maintain this momentum and that we intensify this work. We will ensure that the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies continue to function without hindrance as the commission undertakes its work,” he said.

Ramaphosa calls on all members of the law enforcement agencies and security services to remain steadfast in upholding the rule of law and adhering to their code of conduct. He calls on all South Africans to support the commission in its work and, where appropriate, to provide any information or assistance the commission may require.

“In establishing this Commission of Inquiry, we are affirming our commitment to the rule of law, to transparency and accountability, and to building a South Africa in which all people are safe and secure,” said Ramaphosa.

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Former Deputy President, David Mabuza receives a befitting farewell

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Picture: The late Deputy Preisdent, David Mabuza/Twitter

By OBAKENG MAJE

13 July 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said the late Deputy President, David Dabede Mabuza made a huge contribution on the journey to a democratic South Africa in many ways. Ramaphosa said Mabuza was a servant of the people and that for which he will be best known and forever remembered for.

He further said DD as he Mabuza was fondly known, was a revered leader not only in his home province of Mpumalanga but throughout the country as well. Ramaphosa added that DD served as the country’s Deputy President, as Premier of Mpumalanga and as the Deputy President of his movement, the African National Congress (ANC).

“When he served as a Member of Parliament (MP) and as the Leader of Government Business, he proved to be a renowned political strategist, always deftly navigating the very difficult balance amongst parliamentary parties. In all his roles, he was often described as strategic, enigmatic and fiercely loyal to the cause of stability and unity.

“Yet despite his stature, he was forever humble. His own humble beginnings infused him with a mission to uplift our people. He was most happy when he was among the people. He never isolated himself from them. He never lost the common touch,” he said.

Ramaphosa said since the news came of his passing, they have seen throngs of ordinary citizens, traditional leaders and political leaders from across the spectrum flocking to DD’s home in Barberton to pay their respects. He said such was his popularity and his ability to unite the people of this province.

“Mabuza was not a man for standing on podiums and giving long speeches. He was not a man for the pomp and ceremony of high office. He preferred to be on the ground with the masses of our people, listening to their concerns and working to improve their lives. Over the past days, we have heard from a number of young citizens of Mpumalanga who have described him as a father of the community, who helped bring development to many rural parts of Mpumalanga.

“He was a man of sharp intellect, deep pragmatism and quiet resolve. To some, he was the “cat with nine lives” — resilient in the face of political storms. But to many in his home province and beyond, he was a source of support, a provider of opportunities, and a champion for rural development and education,” said Ramaphosa.

He said Mabuza’s political activism began from a very young age. Ramaphosa said his former principal recalls how he was still in primary school when he first got involved in politics, first through the Black Consciousness Movement and later as a unionist.

“Mabuza loved education. When he finished high school, he chose to enter the teaching profession. We have heard outpourings of love from those he encouraged to study. There are probably some of his former high school learners among us today, people who still called him Sir and Meneer because they clung to his passion for education long after he left the classroom.

“Mpumalanga has so many more boarding schools in rural areas because DD wanted to eradicate the barrier to education for farm children. True to his calling, the legacy that our former Deputy President leaves us is that of being quick to respond to matters of service delivery,” he said.

Ramaphosa said today in Mpumalanga Province, there are families who now live in decent homes because during door-to-door campaigns, DD intervened on the spot and at some point, dug into his own pockets to meet their needs. He said those houses were not built after years of follow-up meetings.

“They were erected within months because he was not one to make empty promises. I had the privilege of serving alongside DD for five years in government, and during this time I came to know him as a person who understood the responsibility that he had been given. He was dependable, reliable and an excellent deputy.

“As Leader of Government Business in Parliament he worked to ensure that the will of the people was reflected in the laws of the land and in the programmes of the state. In all his responsibilities as Deputy President, from land reform to HIV and AIDS, from anti-poverty initiatives to addressing the needs of veterans, Mabuza could always be relied on,” said Ramaphosa.

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Ramaphosa to address the nation after Mkhwanazi’s explosive allegations

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By AGISANANG SCUFF

10 July 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said he will on Sunday address the nation on developments arising from a public statement by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that details allegations against senior political and South African Police Service leadership.

Ramaphosa spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa was attending a BRICS summit in Brazil on 6 July 2025, when Mkhwanazi outlined numerous allegations at a media briefing. Magwenya said he undertook to attend to this development on his return from Brazil, in view of the implications for national security.

“Ramaphosa has been seized with this matter in recent days and will, following various consultations, take the nation into confidence at 7pm on 13 July 2025. The President’s message will be broadcast and streamed on various platforms,” he said.

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Debt sustainability is the key to development

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Picture: RSA President, Cyril Ramaphosa

By OBAKENG MAJE

8 July 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said last week, the world came together at the 4th Financing for Development Conference in Sevilla, Spain, to agree on a set of actions to advance development over the next decade. Ramaphosa said this year’s conference took place at a moment of great consequence for humanity.

He further said they face more daunting challenges than at any other time, from the growing devastation caused by climate change to persistent levels of poverty in many parts of the world. Ramaphosa added that, to confront these challenges, they need to mobilise funding to tackle climate change, reduce poverty and build infrastructure that enables sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

“It is estimated that the world needs an extra $4 trillion dollars a year to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, a gap which can only be closed through more affordable, long-term sustainable financing. A major contributor to this financing gap is the growing debt burden faced by many developing economies, particularly those in Africa. Around 3.4 billion people now live in countries that are spending more on interest payments to creditors than on health and education.

“As the Jubilee Commission appointed by the late Pope Francis notes, while few countries have defaulted on their debt, they are defaulting on their people, their environment and their future. Debt can be a tool for development, if it is affordable and spent efficiently on infrastructure and other investments that support growth. However, a succession of external shocks – including the COVID-19 pandemic, the destabilising effect of various conflicts around the world and tightening financing conditions – has caused the cost of debt to rise rapidly for many developing economies,” he said.

Ramaphosa said at the inception of our G20 Presidency, they appointed an Africa Expert Panel led by Trevor Manuel, their former Minister of Finance, to develop recommendations that the G20 can take forward. He said they did so because they are convinced that Africa’s development must remain front and centre this year and into the future.

“We have since been focusing on practical solutions to achieve debt sustainability, such as improving the G20 Common Framework for debt treatments to enable timely and adequate debt restructuring. We are also working to expand the use of innovative mechanisms to alleviate the debt burden in times of crisis, such as climate resilient debt clauses, which automatically paused debt payments when a country faces a climate disaster.

“Going forward, a key priority is to ensure that more support is available to countries facing financial liquidity challenges, with interventions taking place early enough and providing enough relief to avoid a crisis. We have shown that this is possible through previous efforts spearheaded by the G20, such as the Debt Service Suspension Initiative, which created fiscal space for low-income countries during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Ramaphosa.

He said there is no shortage of solutions to address the debt burden. What we need is the political will to translate proposals into action and to do so at a scale that matches the size of the challenge. Ramaphosa said countries committed in Sevilla to “take concrete actions to enhance fiscal space, address debt challenges of developing countries and lower the cost of capital”.

“This commitment was reinforced by the Rio de Janeiro Declaration adopted at the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in recent days, which recognised the need to “address in an effective, comprehensive and systematic manner the debt vulnerabilities of both low and middle income countries. The world cannot stand by and watch as rising debt service costs crowd out development for a generation or more.

“For this reason, South Africa is committed to working together with all countries to confront the debt challenge in a manner that is effective, sustainable and just,” he said.

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DA gives Ramaphosa 48-hour ultimatum

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Picture: The RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By OBAKENG MAJE

26 June 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa has removed Andrew Whitfield from his position as the Deputy Minister of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic). Ramaphosa thanked Whitfield for the time he served in the Government of National Unity (GNU).

According to the Presidency, his removal was in accordance with Section 93(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. The Presidency has not indicated any intention to conduct a wholesale Cabinet reshuffle.

However, the Democratic Alliance (DA) said it has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Ramaphosa after ‘unjust’ firing of Whitfield.

The DA leader, John Steenhuisen who is also a Member of Parliament (MP) said, yesterday, Ramaphosa put South Africa’s future at stake. Steenhuisen said shortly before cabinet met yesterday, he informed him that, he intends to remove Whitfield as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.

“I requested 24-hours to speak to Whitfield and my party. However, before I could even do so, just three hours later, Whitfield received a letter informing him of his removal. The apparent reason for this sudden and ill-considered decision is that Whitfield did not obtain permission to travel abroad earlier this year.

“But, the facts contradict even this flimsy reasoning. In fact, on 12 February 2025, Whitfield had written to the President requesting permission to travel to the United States, as required by the Ministerial Handbook,” he said.

Steenhuisen further said, ten days later, he had still not received any response from the presidency, and departed on the trip. He added that Whitfield subsequently wrote to the President to apologise if it caused offence.

“Again, he received no response. Then yesterday, months after the incident and without a further word on it, the President unilaterally removed a DA Deputy Minister without even giving his largest coalition partner the courtesy of discussing the issue.

“According to the President’s spokesperson, this move is also not part of a broader reshuffle. There is no other conclusion to be drawn than that this is a calculated political assault on the second-largest party in the governing coalition,” said Steenhuisen.

He said to make matters even worse, this drastic unilateral action appears to be the product of a flagrant double standard. Steenhuisen alleged that, while a DA Deputy Minister is removed for not getting a response to seeking permission to travel, Thembi Simelane remains in cabinet despite being implicated in the VBS looting.

“Nobuhle Nkabane remains in cabinet, despite apparently misleading Parliament over an attempt to deploy corrupt cadres to SETA boards. Serial underperformers, as well as people implicated in state capture, continue to sit around the cabinet table.

“Instead of being summarily fired, Simelane was merely asked to submit a “report” on the allegations against her to the President and moved to another portfolio. In the past, even Ministers who had serious Public Protector findings were merely admonished or had their pay docked,” he said.

Steenhuisen alleged that David Mahlobo is implicated in the most serious corruption by the state capture commission, yet he continues in the position as Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation. He said yet a DA Deputy Minister is dismissed with the flimsiest of excuses.

“The people of South Africa are expected to accept that the likes of Simelane, Nkabane and Mahlobo are protected, while Andrew Whitfield is removed? But perhaps there is something even deeper at play here. Like all DA Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Andrew Whitfield was succeeding at his job.

“He had opposed an attempt to make suspect appointments, he was standing in the way of the looting that will follow from the Transformation Fund – and all of this in a department mired in corruption allegations involving the tender for the National Lottery,” said Steenhuisen.

He said given this flagrant double standard, one is left with no choice but to conclude that hardworking DA Members of the Executive are now being fired for fighting corruption, not for committing corruption. Steenhuisen said DA Ministers and Deputies are said to be good at their jobs, rather than being incompetent.

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Black empowerment is vital to inclusive economic growth

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By OBAKENG MAJE

9 June 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said this year marks the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter. Ramaphosa said they are reminded of its aspiration that the people shall share in the country’s wealth.

He further said the constitution reflects the promise they made to one another and to future generations to redress the injustices of the past and realise the full potential of the country. Ramaphosa added that, for this reason, they reaffirm that Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) is not just a policy choice but a constitutional imperative.

“In recent months, the world has entered what many now term a “poly-crisis” where global conflict, economic stagnation, mistrust in institutions and environmental degradation are challenging even the most resilient of nations. These are conditions affecting many countries and South Africa is no exception. It is now imperative that we use the lessons that we have learned over the past three decades to make our empowerment policies more meaningful.

“Now is not the time to abandon the measures that we have put in place to drive transformation. To the contrary, it is the time to move forward with greater purpose and raise our ambition. Since 1994 we have built a robust legislative framework to advance the transformation of our economy, anchored in the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act and the Employment Equity Act,” he said.

Ramphosa said the progress they have made is undeniable. He said they have seen real changes in ownership patterns, including more businesses owned by women.

“We have seen changes in management control, enterprise development and skills development. According to Statistics SA, between 2006 and 2023, black African households experienced real income growth of 46%, coloured households of 29% and Indian households of 19%. Despite this progress, the average income of white households is still nearly five times higher than that of black African households. This is the gulf we must close through deliberate and sustained efforts to expand opportunity.

“Transformation is not a favour. It is a necessity. The inequality of our past continues to shape the lives of millions of black South Africans. And yet many who continue to benefit from the legacy of exclusion continue to decry black economic empowerment and are even challenging it in our courts,” said Ramaphosa.

He said they must dispense with the false notion that they must make a choice between growth and transformation. Ramaphosa said economic growth without transformation entrenches exclusion and transformation without growth is unsustainable.

“We also need to challenge the notion that broad-based black economic empowerment is a cost to the economy. It is actually an investment in the economy. Our task is to ensure that we pursue both growth and transformation in concert, with more vigour and with greater effect. That is why we continue to strengthen initiatives like the Black Industrialists Programme, which is building successful, competitive, black-owned enterprises in manufacturing and other sectors.

“That is why we are establishing the Transformation Fund to support a new wave of emerging, innovative businesses that can create work opportunities for our people. We must open the levers of funding for black-owned businesses. There is a critical need for black-owned businesses to access funding on affordable terms,” he said.

Ramaphosa said, while much of this funding should come from the development finance institutions, it is the private banks that have the resources to make the greatest impact. He said they need to review their lending practices to unleash the potential of black business.

“Through mechanisms like the Public Procurement Act, we must ensure that businesses owned by women, young people and persons with disabilities enjoy expanding opportunities. We must ensure that transformation reaches into every sector, whether it is mining, construction, energy, IT or agriculture.

“The private sector should use their supply chains far more deliberately to empower many more black-owned businesses, not just to improve their BBBEE scorecard, but to grow and diversify their supplier base. As we develop our infrastructure, grow new industries like green hydrogen and electric vehicles, and drive localisation and reindustrialisation, we will continue to ensure that transformation is our guiding principle,” said Ramphosa.

He said the transformation they seek is not about ticking boxes. Ramaphosa said it is about building a resilient, just economy for generations to come.

“I call on all South Africans and in particular the private sector, to recommit to economic transformation. Let us move forward with greater urgency, unity and ambition, to build a South Africa where all can truly share in the country’s wealth,” he said.

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