Month: June 2024

The Government of National Unity is keen on advancing the interest of all South Africans while also creating employment, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Wednesday.

‘We want to create jobs. We are going to get everyone in the Government of National Unity to create jobs. I am going to make sure that it happens,’ the President said in his address to the crowds gathered on the South Lawns of the Union Buildings.

This after taking his Oath of Office as President, marking the advent of the seventh administration.

In his address to those gathered at the South Lawns, the President said the Government of National Unity (GNU) will advance the interests of all South Africans.

‘Today we are opening a new chapter in the life of our country. We are going to have a government of national unity where we are going to work together united so that we can advance your interests. Let us not be afraid of what this government of national unity is going to be all about.’

Chief Justice Raymond Zondo administered the President’
s oath during Wednesday’s inauguration ceremony.

President Ramaphosa also called on all political parties in the GNU to join hands in advancing the interests of all South Africans.

‘The people of South Africa did not give one political party power to rule this country, the people of South Africa wanted a Government of National Unity to rule this country,’ President Ramaphosa said.

Many ordinary South Africans turned out to witness the inauguration ceremony attended by the country’s former Presidents as well as members of the international community.

READ | Government of National Unity: A moment of profound significance

While this year’s General Election results produced no outright majority winner, the requirement for leaders of different formations to work together is not too unsimilar to what the country had to do to find its way at the inception of democracy.

Addressing the public in his inaugural speech, and essentially the world at large who had been following developments in the country, President
Ramaphosa on Wednesday said the formation of the Government of National Unity is a moment of profound significance.

‘It is the beginning of a new era,’ the President said in his earlier address.

This year’s inauguration coincides with South Africa’s celebration of 30 years of freedom and democracy.

The 27th of April 2024 marked 30 years since the advent of democracy in South Africa. This day marked a historic milestone in South Africa, as all adults were allowed to cast their votes, for the first time, in a free and fair democratic election.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has confirmed an incident of attempted unauthorised entry at its Gauteng provincial warehouse by unknown persons on Tuesday night.

The Electoral Commission expands its footprint of storage sites ahead of each election to ensure the storage of electoral supplies as close as possible to points of use.

Following the conclusion of the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, material is rolled back for storage and safekeeping at a centralised facility.

During the roll back of material from a local storage site in the inner city in the City of Johannesburg, a group of persons interfered with the handling of materials and subsequently followed the truck used to transport the material back to the provincial warehouse.

On arrival at the warehouse, the group attempted to forcefully gain unauthorised entry to the warehouse.

‘The commission can confirm that nothing was taken from the warehouse,’ the Commission said in a statement.

The Electoral Commission thanked the S
outh African Police Service for their swift response, which ensured the safety of the staff of the Commission and the integrity of the stored materials.

A case has been registered and the South African Police Services are investigating.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Leaders around the world have rallied behind President Cyril Ramaphosa and offered their congratulations after his inauguration as President of South Africa for a second term, on Wednesday.

Yesterday, international and local guests filled the Union Buildings’ Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre in Pretoria to witness President Ramaphosa take his oath of office.

This, after he was re-elected to serve for a second term on Friday last week at the first sitting of the National Assembly since the highly contested elections in May where he won 283 votes, against Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema who received 44.

United States Ambassador Reuben Brigety congratulated Cyril Ramaphosa on his inauguration as the President of South Africa.

‘Witnessing your vibrant democracy is an honour,’ he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Speaking to SAnews yesterday, the diplomat described the Presidential inauguration as ‘historic’ and wished the seventh administration all the best as it works for the good of the nati
on.

Meanwhile, United States President Joe Biden applauded President Ramaphosa on his re-election as President of South Africa.

President Biden commended all the political parties for working together to form a government of national unity (GNU).

‘I also send my warm wishes to the people of South Africa. This year – as South Africa celebrates 30 years of all citizens having the right to vote – they have demonstrated the enduring power of government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

‘I look forward to the United States and South Africa continuing our work together, to expand economic opportunity, invest in clean energy solutions, and demonstrate that democracy delivers,’ President Biden added.

Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who attended the swearing-in ceremony, took to X to wish South Africa’s First Citizen all the best as he leads the new administration.

‘Today, I had the immense honour of attending the Presidential inauguration of His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa.

‘Co
ngratulations, President Ramaphosa, on this remarkable achievement. It is a privilege to be part of this historical event and I look forward to working with you for the continued strength and unity between our nations,’ he wrote.

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated President Ramaphosa on his re-election.

‘Warm congratulations, Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa on your re-election as the President of the Republic of South Africa. I look forward to working with you to further strengthen the India-South Africa strategic partnership,’ said the Prime Minister of India.

On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President Ramaphosa to congratulate him on his re-election.

‘The President expressed hope that Russia and South Africa would continue their joint work to further strengthen their strategic partnership across the board. Vladimir Putin also sent a congratulatory telegram to Cyril Ramaphosa,’ his Office said on his official we
bsite.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu also extended his warm congratulations to the President on his re-election.

He applauded South Africans on the peaceful and successful conduct of the General Elections.

‘While wishing President Ramaphosa a successful term in office, President Tinubu calls for the strengthening of bilateral ties between Nigeria and South Africa as strategic partners in Africa for the overall advancement of the continent,’ Special Adviser to the President, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, added.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Transnet has appointed experienced and respected logistics manager, Lekau ‘Solly’ Letsoalo as Group Chief Operating Officer – effective from next month.

Letsoalo is a former Chief Operating Officer of Transnet Port Terminals and has spent at least 14 years in the private sector as managing director at Aveng Manufacturing and, more recently, as Chief Executive Officer of Cargo Carriers.

Transnet Group Chief Executive Michelle Phillips said: ‘It is great to welcome Letsoalo back to Transnet and to be able to draw on his global knowledge of the logistics industry at such an important time in our organisation’s history’.

The state utility added that Letsoalo’s global experience also stands him in good stead.

‘Mr Letsoalo has extensive knowledge of Transnet’s business operations. While at TPT, he achieved significant milestones such as expanding the Pier 2 Container Terminal, constructing the Pier 1 terminal, building the Ngqura Container Terminal, and modernising the Cape Town Container Terminal.

‘His global
exposure, including learning experiences in the USA, UK, Belgium, Germany, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Japan, have further enriched his leadership capabilities,’ Transnet said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised that understanding and partnership between South Africa and Nigeria is critical for the success of the African continent.

The President was speaking following a bilateral meeting between him and his Nigerian counterpart, President Bola Tinubu in Tshwane, on the back of the Presidential Inauguration held on Wednesday.

‘[F]or me what matters most is to be able to have very good economic links with Nigeria. The two countries – South Africa and Nigeria – are very important in our continent and when the two countries work together, which we are, and we do things together, it benefits Africa.

‘It is the two countries that are among the pillars of our continent and I’m particularly pleased that we support each other internationally in various fora, the UN [and other] multi-lateral institutions. Nigeria and South Africa are essentially joined at the hip and we want to engender good economic and trade relations between our two countries to address the challenges that our two
countries face,’ President Ramaphosa said.

On the domestic front, the President said the African continent has received South Africa’s Government of National Unity positively.

‘We’ve set up a Government of National Unity and I’m particularly pleased that the African continent has responded very positively to the news that we will continue stabilising politics of our country. But more importantly, through the Government of National Unity, we’re setting a very strong foundation for economic growth and to be able to attract investments,’ he said.

Tinubu – who attended the inauguration held on Wednesday – said discussions between the two heads of government mainly related to the economy.

‘I’m here to congratulate my brother for putting together a very impressive outing – particularly for the Government of National Unity to stabilise the politics. That is coming at a very challenging time for the rest of us in Africa to really come up with collaborative economics that will help our downtrodden and vulnerable p
eople,’ said President Tinubu.

Wednesday’s inauguration which saw Ramaphosa inaugurated for a second term in office, follows on the 29 May 2024, National and Provincial Elections. The results of the elections produced no outright majority winner, requiring the leaders of different formations to work together in taking the country forward.

READ | GNU to advance the interest of all South Africans

Source: South African Government News Agency

Helpline Social Support Initiative, an NGO, in partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Embassy in Nigeria, shared meat during the Eid el-Kabir to women, vulnerable groups and persons living with disabilities in the FCT.

Dr Jumai Ahmadu, Founder of the initiative, who made this known on Wednesday, thanked the UAE Embassy for its kindness and dedication to making a positive impact in the FCT.

Ahmadu said that the gesture demonstrates the embassy’s commitment to community support through the spreading of joy and compassion to those in need.

She also commended the embassy for identifying with the initiative, saying ‘ this is the third year it is supporting the needy in Abuja and its environs with this gesture.’

‘ Their generous contribution of fresh meat donations benefited our women and individuals living with disabilities, spreading joy and compassion to those in need.

‘ This marks the third consecutive year of their support, which has made a significant difference in the lives of our beneficiaries
, including the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

‘ We are grateful for their kindness and dedication to making a positive impact in our community.

‘ Thank you to the UAE Embassy for your unwavering support and to our team for their tireless efforts in serving our community.’

She noted that Eid el Kabir was an opportunity and occasion to put smiles on the faces of the less privileged, especially women.

Ahmadu, therefore, called on other relevant organisations at all levels to go beyond ‘funfairs that characterised every festivities and use such occasions to assist the vulnerable in the society.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria