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

‘There is a need to protect rights of workers’

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Picture: COSATU during May Day celebration

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

6 May 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said they need to protect the rights of workers to build an inclusive economy. Ramaphosa said they have just observed Workers’ Day, which is commemorated across the world in honour of the struggles of workers for fair labour standards and conditions of work.

He further said since the advent of democracy in 1994, they have observed Workers’ Day also to acknowledge the historical role of workers and the labour movement in their broader struggle for freedom. Ramaphosa added that over the past 31 years, they have made considerable progress in improving their labour laws and protecting the rights of workers.

“We emerged from a past where black workers were deliberately denied their rights. For many years, black workers could not be organised into unions, through job reservation they were denied access to certain occupations and they often worked in unsafe and unhealthy conditions.

“Today, the rights of workers in South Africa are protected and enforced. The Constitution enshrines the rights of workers as it does the rights of every person who lives in South Africa. Since 1994, we have passed progressive laws to give effect to the rights of workers,” he said.

Ramaphosa said following extensive consultation with business, labour and civil society, in 2019, they introduced a National Minimum Wage, setting a wage below which no worker may be paid. He said studies have found that since its introduction the National Minimum Wage has led to a significant increase in hourly wages for workers, and has also played a role in reducing the gap between the highest and lowest paid workers.

“We have sought to break from our apartheid past where workers laboured under oppressive conditions to swell the profits of companies without receiving even the most basic benefits.

“This includes measures to advance worker ownership in companies. An increasing number of workers are part of worker share ownership programmes,” said Ramaphosa.

He said they have been deliberate in their efforts to protect the rights of women workers. Ramaphosa said the Employment Equity Act prohibits unfair discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, pregnancy and marital status.

“Female workers are guaranteed specific entitlements such as maternity and family responsibility leave, and we have laws that safeguard against sexual harassment and gender-based violence in the workplace.

“At a time of constrained economic growth and high unemployment, we have seen calls from some people, including political parties, for our country’s labour laws to be ‘relaxed’ in response to the prevailing economic climate,” he said.

Ramaphosa said stimulating economic growth and job creation and retaining worker protections are not mutually exclusive. He said in fact, worker rights have been found to improve productivity and thereby enhance the growth of companies and the economy.

“They also help to distribute the benefits of growth more equally and improve economic stability. In addition, South Africa’s labour laws are part of our effort to overcome the structural inequality of apartheid.

“The latest report of the Employment Equity Commission shows how far we still have to go in ending the race-based disparities that exist in our economy. Despite Africans constituting the majority of the economically active population, the majority of top management positions in the private sector are still held by white males,” said Ramaphosa.

He said this trend is observed at senior management level in nearly every economic category. Ramaphosa said black South Africans are predominantly in the semi-skilled and unskilled categories.

“While there has been much improvement since the advent of employment equity legislation, it is clear that not enough has been done to change the racial composition of the ownership, control and management of our economy.

“Employment equity is not the only area where challenges remain. The International Labour Organisation has highlighted problems of compliance with labour laws in South Africa, as well as inadequate safeguards for workers in the burgeoning informal sector,” he said.

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Ramaphosa to establish judicial commission of inquiry  

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

1 May 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said he is in the process of establishing a judicial commission of inquiry to establish whether attempts were made to prevent the investigation or prosecution of apartheid-era crimes referred by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to the National Prosecuting Authority. This comes after the allegations of improper influence in delaying or hindering the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes have persisted from previous administrations.

Ramaphosa spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said through this commission, Ramaphosa is determined that the true facts be established and the matter brought to finality. Magwenya said the establishment of the commission of inquiry is the outcome of settlement discussions in a court application brought by families of victims of apartheid-era crimes.

“Following discussions involving the Presidency, the families and other government bodies cited in the application, there was a joint agreement to establish the commission.

“This follows the Presidency’s statement in February 2025 in support of a commission that will look into the delays in the prosecution of these cases. While the parties have agreed to the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry, they were not able to reach a settlement on other matters in the application,” he said.

Magwenya further said these include the application for an order that declares the actions of various government entities unlawful and a violation of the applicants’ rights, as well as the payment of constitutional damages by the state. He added that, government has maintained that these outstanding matters would be most appropriately addressed through the Commission of Inquiry, and will therefore be included in the commission’s terms of reference.

“Ramaphosa continues to maintain that all affected families deserve closure and justice. A commission of inquiry with broad and comprehensive terms of reference is an opportunity to establish the truth and provide guidance on appropriate remedies.

“Ramaphosa appreciates the anguish and frustration of the families of victims, who have fought for so many years for justice. The president respects the decision of the families to continue to seek an order on the violation of their rights and constitutional damages through the courts,” said Magwenya.

He said the government will be seeking a stay of application on these outstanding matters pending the conclusion and outcomes of the Commission of Inquiry. Magwenya said the Presidency will shortly make an announcement on the head of the Commission of Inquiry, the time frames and the full terms of reference.

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Ramaphosa: “A budget for inclusive growth and development”

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By OBAKENG MAJE

7 April 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said, last week, Parliament adopted the 2025 Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals as tabled in the Budget Speech by the Minister of Finance. Ramaphosa said the 2025 Budget is directed at growing the economy and supporting the livelihoods of our people.

He further said it is a critical instrument to drive development, eradicate poverty and narrow inequality. Ramaphosa added that, at a time of constrained economic growth and narrow fiscal space, the budget must direct sufficient resources to activities that encourage inclusive growth and lay the groundwork for sustained economic recovery.

“It reflects the strategic priorities of the Government of National Unity (GNU): inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living and building a capable, ethical and developmental state.

“The Budget advances the Government’s commitment to uplift the material conditions of South Africans. Once our debt repayments have been taken out, 61% of spending over the next three years has been allocated to the social wage,” he said.

Ramaphosa said this includes the provision of free primary healthcare, basic and tertiary education and housing. He said over the past 24 years, they have implemented an indigent policy under which free water, electricity and sanitation services are provided to qualifying households.

“Social grants, like the child care, old age and disability grants, are another tool for alleviating poverty. This year, the value of these grants will increase at above inflation. The Social Relief of Distress grant, which has played an important role in poverty alleviation, will also be extended for another year.

“As part of improving access to healthcare, there will be a higher allocation of funding to clinics and community health centres. We are investing in the recruitment and retention of health personnel, particularly doctors and nurses, and to employ newly qualified doctors after their community service ends,” said Ramaphosa.

He said the budget allocates substantial funds to other frontline services such as teachers, police, emergency personnel and the Border Management Authority. Ramaphosa said improving educational outcomes is key to community upliftment, development and producing the skills needed by the economy. Ramaphosa said budgetary allocations have been made to support teacher training, for expanded mother-tongue bilingual education and for early reading programmes.

“This year sees a substantial investment in early childhood development, reflecting our commitment to establishing a solid foundation for the development of every child.

Additional funds have been allocated to public employment programmes, which play an important role in providing work opportunities at a time when economic growth is constrained.

“To encourage entrepreneurship, funds have been made available to support small businesses. Adjustments are being made to the Employee Tax Incentive to further incentivise businesses to hire more young people,” he said.

Ramaphosa said South Africa’s expenditure on the social wage can only be sustained if there are higher levels of economic growth. He said the budget allocates considerable resources to encourage infrastructure development, which drives growth and job creation.

“Taken together, up to R1 trillion will be spent on infrastructure over the medium term. This includes the allocation in this Budget of an additional R62 billion over the next three years for road maintenance, electricity transmission lines, water and sanitation projects, school infrastructure and to support the ongoing recovery of our rail networks.

“Support is also provided to other growth-enhancing measures in the medium term, including incentive programmes in automotive, business process outsourcing, special economic zones, electric vehicle production, clothing and textiles and other sectors,” said Ramaphosa.

He said the 2025 Budget makes adjustments to allocations to municipalities to enable them to address their infrastructure needs, improve service delivery and improve their revenue collection systems. Ramaphosa said in a challenging economic environment – both locally and globally – this year’s budget supports measures to drive growth and relieve the effects of poverty.

“At the same time, it aims to stabilise public finances and continue to reduce our national debt. The budget reflects the priorities of the Government’s Medium Term Development Plan, a five-year programme of action that prioritises rapid, inclusive growth, creating a more just society and building state capacity.

“At a time when our singular focus must be the South African people, we need to use the limited resources we have to work together for the common good,” he said.

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‘A clear path towards efficiency in water and sanitation delivery’

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Picture: A resident drinking water/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE 

3 March 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said his government convened a landmark National Water and Sanitation Indaba last week, to develop a clear plan for resolving challenges in the sector. Ramaphosa said the Indaba brought together delegates representing national and local government, water boards, catchment management entities, the South African Local Government Association, scientific experts, innovators and the private sector. 

He further said the recommendations emanating from the Indaba give cause for great optimism. Ramaphosa added that a number of the suggestions and solutions are focused, evidence-based and accompanied by clear delivery timelines. 

“As the suggested solutions are implemented, we will chart a new course for the management of this most critical of resources. The Government of National Unity (GNU), has prioritised achieving a secure and reliable water supply to sustain communities and support economic growth.

“Delegates were tasked with developing a sustainable turnaround plan that harnesses the momentum of the structural reform process initiated under the sixth administration,” he said.

Ramaphosa said these include reinstating the drop water quality monitoring system, significantly improving the turnaround time for processing water use license applications, and a Raw Water Pricing Strategy. He said the establishment of a National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency is one of the most significant reforms in the sector to date. 

“The agency will be responsible for developing and managing national water infrastructure, and will mobilise financing for water infrastructure. Water infrastructure build is currently on an upward trajectory.

“The Infrastructure Fund has to date secured R23 billion for seven large water infrastructure projects including Phase 2 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, the Polihali Dam, and the Ntabelanga Dam on the uMzimvubu River,” said Ramaphosa.

He said the Indaba resolved that there should be deeper collaboration between the Water Partnerships Office and the private sector to mobilise financing over the next three years. Ramaphosa said a number of innovative financing models are being explored, including Green and Blue Bonds.

“A resolution was also taken to forge more non-commercial water provision partnerships with industrial sectors. A successful model of this kind is the Olifants Management Model project in Limpopo in partnership with mining houses.

“Water delivery implementation models and processes will be subject to rigorous review. By way of example, the process for the appointment of capable Water Service Providers will be standardised, and capacity assessments will be introduced for water boards,” he said. 

Ramaphosa said a large percentage of South Africa’s purified water is being lost to leaks from municipal distribution systems. He said Water Services Authorities will have to develop mitigation programmes that include adequate budgets for maintenance, reducing leaks, closing illegal water connections and strengthening metering, billing and revenue collection.

Demand management is an imperative

“Government will roll out an extensive public awareness campaign to encourage people and businesses to use water sparingly. The crackdown on corruption and organised crime in the sector is being intensified. 

“A National Water and Sanitation Anti-Corruption Forum will be set up in collaboration with the Special Investigating Unit. A number of SIU investigations into allegations of fraud and corruption at several water boards have already been completed, and have resulted in resignations, dismissals, and criminal charges,” said Ramaphosa. 

He said in line with the resolutions taken at the Indaba, Water Service Authorities have to develop water infrastructure security plans to combat vandalism and theft of infrastructure within six months. Ramaphosa said the Indaba also resolved that communities should be more actively involved in the protection of our country’s water infrastructure. Ramaphosa said one of the promising proposals that will be considered is setting up water committees in communities. 

“The overwhelming consensus at the Water and Sanitation Indaba was that all efforts need to be made to support municipal authorities to fulfil their service delivery mandate. 

“Minimum competency regulations for water service providers will be developed, and municipalities will have to urgently fill key technical positions,” he said. 

Ramaphosa said it was further resolved that mechanisms should be urgently developed to capacitate municipalities to utilise their Municipal Infrastructure Grant and Urban Settlements Development Grant for infrastructure upkeep. He said the resolutions taken by the Water and Sanitation Indaba, once successfully implemented, will help us turn the tide in our ongoing efforts to improve service delivery and build a capable, ethical, developmental state. 

As the old adage goes, water is life

“A well-functioning, efficient water and sanitation sector isn’t just a constitutional imperative and a driver of development. It also instils business and investor confidence that in turn spurs economic growth and job creation. 

“Working together as all spheres of government, business, communities and civil society, it is within our means to give effect to the constitutional right to access clean water and sufficient sanitation, and to achieve the water security our country needs,” said Ramaphosa.

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80% of children in SA are unable to read for meaning by the age of 10

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Picture: ECD learners/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 March 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said the country should share belief in the profound importance of Bana Pele – putting children first. Ramaphosa who addressed the Bana Pele 2030 Roadmap Leadership Summit at Atlas Studios, Johannesburg recently, said this belief is the cornerstone of their vision for a brighter future for South Africa.

Ramaphosa further said it is because of this shared vision that they unite and collaborate today, committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive by the age of five. He added that their immediate focus is to extend access to early childhood development to every child.

“It is one of the most powerful levers we have to unlock the potential of our nation. We recognise today that investing in ECD is not just about education. It is about shaping the next generation of skilled, capable and entrepreneurial citizens who will drive our economy forward.

“Early childhood development provides children with the foundational skills they need to build a successful future. It helps to break the cycle of poverty that is handed down from one generation to the next,” said Ramaphosa.

He said Early Childhood Development is about giving children from all backgrounds the opportunity to grow into confident, capable citizens who contribute positively to society. Ramaphosa said children who receive a strong start are more likely to succeed in school and the workforce, reducing societal costs in areas such healthcare, crime prevention and welfare.

“A research report published to coincide with Brazil’s G20 Presidency, estimated that in South Africa, an investment of 2.1% GDP in universal childcare could have supported 10.5 million women to join the workforce over three years.

“Because of the profound effect that ECD can have on social well-being and development, we have decided to put our children first. Last week, the Minister of Finance announced an additional investment of R10 billion in ECD over the next three years,” he said.

Ramaphosa said they are all aware of the statistic that 80% of children in South Africa are unable to read for meaning by the age of 10. He said early childhood is critical for developing foundational skills such as language, literacy and numeracy.

“The experiences and interactions children have can significantly influence their future learning potential. This is why ECD must be treated as an urgent priority. We therefore welcome this wonderful initiative for business, civil society and government to work together to shape the future of early childhood development.

“This initiative will assist the strategic reorientation of the basic education sector to strengthen foundation learning. The benefits of universal access to ECD extend beyond the education of the child,” said Ramaphosa.

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‘We need to stand up for the human rights of all people’

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 March 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said last week, they observed Human Rights Day, a day that honours the 69 unarmed protestors who were killed by the apartheid police in Sharpeville on 21 March 1960. Ramaphosa said since the advent of democracy, they have strived to build a society that recognises the injustices of the past, while advancing reconciliation and national unity.

He further said that is why as a country, they have chosen 21 March as an occasion to recommit themselves to the advancement of human rights for all. Ramaphosa added that, at the dawn of democracy, they chose the path of reconciliation and nation-building.

“The people of this country supported the adoption of a Constitution and a Bill of Rights that guarantees the human dignity of all regardless of their race, gender, culture, religion ethnic or social origin, age, disability, language or birth.

“South Africans should be proud of the fact that the majority of them continue to believe in democracy, human rights and the rule of law as universal values. Since the dawn of democracy, South Africans have been able to exercise their rights freely and many know that they can approach our independent courts and the institutions supporting democracy if their rights are infringed or violated,” he said.

Ramaphosa said they can be proud that South Africans are confident they have a voice and a say in how their country is run, demonstrated by the fact that they have held successive free and fair elections since 1994. He said in South Africa today, all citizens, African, white, Indian and coloured, male and female, enjoy equal rights and freedoms that the state is obliged to uphold, protect and advance.

“In South Africa today, there are constitutional protections guaranteed to all racial, cultural and linguistic groups, including their right to enjoy their culture and to use their language. As South Africans, we should therefore reject the politics of divisiveness that is emerging in many parts of the world.

“In particular, we should challenge the completely false narrative that our country is a place in which people of a certain race or culture are being targeted for persecution. We should not allow events beyond our shores to divide us or turn us against each other,” said Ramaphosa.

He said since the end of apartheid, the country has been recognised globally for upholding human rights. Ramaphosa said the free flow of ideas and opinions are vital to democracy and to having a vibrant society.

“Even those with the most offensive views should know that in democratic South Africa, and unlike many other parts of the world, our Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of expression, as long as it does not include incitement to violence or advocacy of racial and other hatred.

“Reflecting on the perilous state of human rights in many parts of the world today, including the resurgence of racism, South Africa’s path of reconciliation and nation-building becomes all the more important,” he said.  

Ramaphosa said as the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has observed, “a toxic legacy of historic enslavement, colonialism and discrimination” continues to infect many parts of the world. He said since they attained our freedom, South Africans have been steadfast in their solidarity with people everywhere who are facing persecution, discrimination and the violation of their rights.

“Human rights are universal and indivisible. As South Africa we stand in solidarity with all those whose right to lead lives of dignity are being undermined by conflict and war. The UN human rights system must be strengthened so that the enjoyment of human rights is no longer the preserve of some.

“As a country we will continue to repeat our call for a renewed global human rights movement so that the rights and dignity of all people should be upheld. As we reflect on the state of human rights in South Africa during this month, let us be proud of our achievements as a country,” said Ramaphosa.

He said at the same time, he said they should recommit themselves to working together to ensure the human rights culture is upheld and strengthened.

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa 

Makatong: “Northern Cape govt committed to economic growth, job creation and infrastructure development”

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Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

11 March 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong said during the State of the Province Address (SOPA) debate in Kimberley on Tuesday, that the provincial government remains steadfast in its commitment to economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development. Makatong said on 23 January 2025, the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa, signed the Expropriation Act 13 of 2024 into law and that is a significant milestone in the nation’s history.

“This Act is a crucial step toward land reform and rectifying historical injustices, ensuring that land expropriation aligns with the constitutional imperatives of justice and equity.

“The construction sector continues to be a critical driver of economic development, with the provincial government having completed 50 capital building projects and upgraded over 105 000km of roads in the past five years,” she said.

Makatong further said the Special Economic Zones (SEZs), including the Namakwa SEZ, are driving industrialization and employment, particularly in the renewable energy sector. She added that the Expanded Public Works Program (EPWP), remains a pillar of employment creation, with over 95 689 jobs created in the past five years, representing 92% of the provincial target.

“Looking ahead, the government aims to create 153 427 jobs, prioritizing youth, women, and persons with disabilities. Skills development remains key with 2167 beneficiaries trained in technical trades from 2020/21 to 2023/24,” said Makatong.

She said the provincial road network is critical to the economic and social mobility and will continue to benefit from strategic investments. Makatong said the province has seen substantial progress, with 4470km of roads managed by SANRAL, and an additional 350km set for transfer in the 2025/26 financial year.

“Key projects include the Laxey-Heuningvlei Road Upgrade (MR974 & DR3497), which is set for phased implementation. The project will create 78 job opportunities and is expected to be completed in July 2026.

“The Sutherland-Calvinia Road Upgrade (MR567), which enhances regional trade and connectivity, with phase 1 completed and phase 2 underway. Also, the establishment of SANRAL’s new offices in Kimberley will strengthen the partnership with the province,” she said.

Makatong said the Northern Cape Provincial Government remains committed to delivering 60 000 new jobs over the next five years. She said under the EPWP, 23 740 work opportunities were created in the 2023/24 financial year, exceeding the annual target by 109%.

“The Northern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works, played a vital role, achieving 99% of its set goal with 12 769 work opportunities generated. To address evolving labour market needs, 2167 beneficiaries received training in critical fields such as diesel mechanics, welding, refrigeration, and rigging,” said Makatong.

She said these efforts align with the broader government strategy to enhance employment and economic inclusivity. According to Makatong, infrastructure development remains a top priority under the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP).

“The province completed 50 capital infrastructure projects, with 30 more currently under construction. Land transformation also remains integral, with 40 land parcels identified and 12 disposals finalized to promote integrated settlement growth.

“The provincial government is unwavering in its commitment to inclusive economic growth, poverty alleviation, and job creation,” she said.

Makatong said as the province advances toward a modern, growing, and successful Northern Cape, strategic investments in infrastructure and employment initiatives will continue to drive progress and development.

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Agriculture is a vital part of the growth story

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By REGINALD KANYANE

10 March 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said agriculture is one of the most important sectors in our economy. Ramaphosa said the goods and services produced across the agricultural value chain underpin our country’s food security and account for a significant portion of South Africa’s exports.

He further said, according to data from the Agbiz, last year South Africa’s agricultural exports reached a record $13.7 billion. Ramaphosa added that these agricultural exports are diverse, with 44% of these products exported to other African countries, 21% to Asia and the Middle East, 19% to the European Union and 6% to the Americas.

“The value and volume of the farming sector has more than doubled since the dawn of democracy in 1994. This is testimony to the ongoing efforts of both Government and industry to ensure that South Africa products access as many export markets as possible.

“Beyond the role of expanded export markets, agricultural economists have attributed the sector’s growth to the government’s embrace of science, allowing the private sector to register better seed cultivars and genetics to boost productivity,” he said.

Ramaphosa said the agricultural sector remains ripe for investment because of its recognised growth prospects. In addition, the revenue the state collects from agriculture enables the government to provide services that improve the lives of our citizens. He said the sector is a major source of employment.

“By the end of 2024 approximately 924,000 people worked directly in agriculture and over 200,000 worked elsewhere in the agriculture value chain. The health and growth of our farming sector is vital to supporting small towns and keeping rural South Africa vibrant.

“Given the critical role of agriculture in our national life, the government is working with all stakeholders to ensure the survival, sustainability and growth of this sector,” said Ramaphosa.

He said in collaboration with partners in the industry, they are undertaking growth-enhancing measures such as the sectoral master plans. Ramaphosa said the Poultry and Sugar Master Plans were the first steps, culminating in the Agriculture and Agro-processing Masterplan that was signed by organised agriculture and other partners in 2022.

“The Department of Agriculture has launched a blended finance instrument in collaboration with the Land Bank to help farmers who require capital to continue growing the sector.

“As this labour-intensive sector expands, more work opportunities will be created in the most vulnerable areas of the country, particularly rural areas. This in turn will support their economic rejuvenation,” he said.

Ramaphosa said agriculture, like other sectors, is affected by municipal service delivery challenges, and by the poor state of key infrastructure such as roads, rail and ports. He said this constrains the delivery of agricultural goods to markets.

“The structural reforms that started during the sixth administration are making progress towards addressing the port and rail challenges. Several road transport and bulk water infrastructure projects are underway that will boost the growth of agriculture.

“We cannot talk about sustainable agriculture in South Africa without addressing issues of equity and inclusion in farming and land ownership. Transformation remains a challenge in agriculture,” he said.

Ramaphosa said in his book, A Country of Two Agricultures, economist Wandile Sihlobo, notes that black farmers currently only account for around 10% of the commercial output in South Africa’s agriculture. He said their growth agenda must therefore have a bias towards the empowerment of black farmers.

“The inclusion of black farmers in commercial agriculture necessitates that land is made available to them. The ongoing land reform process and release of Government land will continue to benefit emerging farmers and ensure that they too add to the growth of South Africa’s farming economy.

“This is an effort that requires multi-sectoral collaboration. The Land Bank and other commercial financiers will need to collaborate by providing capital. Organised agriculture can come on board to deploy the necessary training,” said Ramaphosa.

He said the farming sector of South Africa is vital to their growth agenda. Ramaphosa said it has shown resilience in the past and will likely continue along this encouraging and promising path.

“It will therefore be critical that the sector embraces the onward march of transformation. It is in the interests of all South Africans that we have an agricultural sector that is representative and inclusive, that contributes to the growth of our economy and that produces the food our country needs,” he said.

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

Ramaphosa: “GNU parties may differ, but we pulling together”

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

28 February 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said while Government of National Unity (GNU) parties may differ, they are all pulling in the same direction. Last week, the annual Budget Speech by the Minister of Finance was postponed for the first time in the democratic history. 

Ramaphosa said the cabinet decided to postpone the presentation of the budget to allow further discussion on areas of disagreement among parties in the GNU. He further said the budget will now be tabled in Parliament on 12 March 2025.

“The last-minute postponement was unfortunate. It gave rise to concern and uncertainty among South Africans, investors and the financial markets, who look to the Budget for important signals about the state and direction of our economy.

“The budget reflects government’s choices and priorities for the country’s development. Decisions on how to spend public funds have implications for every South African,” said Ramaphosa.

He added that, it is therefore essential that the concerns raised by different parties around the budget are properly addressed, in the interests of accountability, transparency and consensus-building. 

Ramaphosa said this is the first time that the budget is being presented by the GNU.

“It is understandable that this new arrangement would require a different approach in some respects. The process of forging agreement among the political parties in the GNU is still work in progress, but we are certainly getting there. Disagreements, contradictions and policy divergence are inherent in governments made up of several political parties. 

“It has been more than six months since the formation of the GNU. Despite disagreement between parties on a range of matters, the centre holds. It is a sign of a healthy and robust democracy that such differences may emerge from time to time and be ventilated in public. 

Such differences don’t mean that the GNU is in crisis. It means that democracy is working,” he said.

Ramaphosa said a GNU by definition infers consensus-building. He said no one party can impose its will.

“There needs to be thorough deliberation and meaningful engagement. 

The decision to postpone the Budget Speech and to continue discussions should engender public confidence in the GNU. It should reassure citizens that despite differences of opinion, we are pulling in the same direction. 

“As GNU partners, we will continue working for the South African people. As we have done in the past to overcome differences, we will once again find one another. The events of last week present us with an opportunity to raise the level of understanding among South Africans around the budget and what it means for them,” said Ramaphosa.

He said the considerable public interest around the Budget Speech, including from young people and on social media platforms, was greatly encouraging. Ramaphosa said it is their hope that this sparks a necessary national conversation on how they will fund the national priorities and the trade-offs that will need to be made. 

“The reality is that we strive to implement our national priorities in a context of slow growth, limited revenue, high unemployment and a large social wage. The state is simply not able to fund every priority and ambition. 

“The critical issue of the public purse must be a subject of discussion and debate not just among political parties, but among all South Africans who aspire to lead lives of dignity,” he said.

Ramaphosa said the social contract between government and the citizenry relies heavily on accountability and transparency. He said these have been features of our budgetary process since the advent of democracy. 

“The formation of the GNU was the result of the desire by the South African people that political parties work together to move the country forward. As we continue to do so, we are adapting and strengthening our existing frameworks for cooperation, partnership and building consensus. 

“We are learning, we are adjusting to new circumstances and we are moving forward,” said Ramaphosa.

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‘Many municipalities lack the technical skills’

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By OBAKENG MAJE

7 February 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said together, they have built durable institutions that support democracy, protect their fundamental rights and promote the well-being of South Africans. Ramphosa, who delivered State of the Nation Address (SONA) yesterday in Cape Town said they have built meaningful partnerships between government and business, labour, civil society and other social partners to drive growth and development.

He further said these stand as models of cooperation for the rest of the world. Ramaphosa added that South Africans are continuing to work together to confront the country’s challenges and build a nation that works for all.

“In the last week, we have adopted the Medium Term Development Plan, which sets out a clear and ambitious programme for the next five years. The actions contained in the Medium Term Development Plan will advance our three strategic priorities:

“Firstly, to drive inclusive growth and job creation. Secondly, to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living. Thirdly, to build a capable, ethical and developmental state,” he said.

Ramaphosa said their most urgent task is to grow the economy, so that they can create jobs, reduce poverty and improve the lives of all South Africans. He said to undertake this task, they need a government that works for the people.

“We need a state that is capable and competent, underpinned by a professional public service. South Africans want a state that treats all people with dignity, humility and respect. A state with leaders who are prepared to serve our people with complete dedication, and public servants who are ethical, skilled and properly qualified.

“To achieve these objectives, we are strengthening the role of the Public Service Commission (PSC) in the appointment of the key people who direct the affairs of our state such as Directors-General, Deputy Directors-General, Chief Executive Officers of SOEs and board members and other senior positions,” said Ramaphosa.

He said they will introduce a graduate recruitment scheme so that they may attract the best and the brightest into the public service. Ramaphosa said a capable state must start where people live and work.

“In many cities and towns across the country, roads are not maintained, water and electricity supply is often disrupted, refuse is not collected and sewage runs in the streets.

“In part, this has happened because many municipalities lack the technical skills and resources required to meet people’s needs. Many municipalities have not reinvested the revenue they earn from these services into the upkeep of infrastructure. Starting this year, we will work with our municipalities to establish professionally managed, ring-fenced utilities for water and electricity services to ensure that there is adequate investment and maintenance,” he said.

Ramaphosa said many of the challenges in municipalities arise from the design of the local government system. He said they will therefore undertake extensive consultation to develop an updated White Paper on Local Government to outline a modern and fit-for-purpose local government system.

“We will review the funding model for municipalities as many of them do not have a viable and sustainable revenue base. We will continue to work with traditional leaders in the implementation of local development programmes.

“We will expand our support to municipalities that require assistance, drawing on the lessons of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group. We are seeing great progress in eThekwini as we implement the district development model, which enables all key role players in government, business, labour and community-based organisations to work together,” said Ramaphosa.

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