Day: September 1, 2024

President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a State Visit to the People’s Republic of China this week where he will also participate at the Forum on China – Africa Cooperation Summit (FOCAC).

The State Visit, which comes at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, and the FOCAC Summit will take place in Beijing from 2 – 5 September 2024.

President Ramaphosa is expected to be flanked by Cabinet Ministers from portfolios including International Relations and Cooperation; Science, Technology and Innovation; Human Settlements; Small Business Development; Presidency; Trade, Industry and Competition; Electricity and Energy; Public Works and Infrastructure; Higher Education and Agriculture.

The delegation will also include the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Oscar Mabuyane and Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba as well as senior government officials.

President Ramaphosa hosted President Xi Jinping on his fourth State Visit to South Africa in August 2023 in Tshwane, cementing 25 years of strong bonds of friendshi
p and cooperation the two countries have enjoyed since establishing formal diplomatic relations.

‘China is South Africa’s largest trading partner globally, while South Africa is China’s number one trading partner in Africa. Total bilateral trade grew from R614 billion in 2022 to R692 billion in 2023,’ the Presidency said in a statement.

On Monday, President Ramaphosa’s State Visit to China officially commences with a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People.

Ahead of the bilateral engagement, the President will lay a wreath at the Monument to the People’s Heroes in Tiananmen Square in honour of Chinese revolutionaries.

South Africa and China’s bilateral relations are maintained at the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), underpinned by a Ten-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2020 – 2029).

‘South Africa and China will sign agreements that are aimed at enhancing economic cooperation and the implementation of technical cooperation, particularly in the fields of human settleme
nts, agriculture and science and technology.

‘On Tuesday, 3 September 2024, President Ramaphosa will champion South Africa’s economic diplomacy with China by visiting Shenzhen, an economic technology hub in the Guangdong Province to interact with industry leaders and tour the headquarters of two tech companies as part of the bilateral business programme of the State Visit,’ the Presidency said.

On Wednesday, President Ramaphosa will address the South Africa – China Business Forum on the margins of the FOCAC in Beijing.

On Thursday, the President will participate in the FOCAC Summit held under the theme ‘Joining Hands to Advance Modernisation and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future’.

‘The President will co- chair, with the Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Mr Wang Huning, the High-Level Panel Seminar on Accompanying Africa in Industrialisation, Agricultural Modernisation and Green Development to Embark on the path to Modernisation,’ the Presidenc
y said.

South Africa’s participation in FOCAC is driven by a constant advancement of Africa’s position on development as outlined by the African Union’s Agenda 2063: The Africa we Want and its related Flagship Programmes.

A Declaration and Action Plan (2025-2027) will be issued at the conclusion of the 2024 FOCAC Summit.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The National Treasury has welcomed the funding commitments by the New Development Bank (NDB) to critical freight logistics and water projects.

The bank, during the 9th Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors of the NDB in Cape Town this week, announced that its Board had approved a US$1billion loan to South Africa for financing water and sanitation infrastructure development under the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG).

Additionally, it was announced that a R5 billion loan agreement with Transnet was also extended.

‘We welcome the NDB’s funding commitments. They will go a long way in assisting us with the funding challenges faced by some of our programmes and parastatals. Every cent is welcome.

“Of course, many of our broader plans for infrastructure pipeline development and funding will be unpacked during the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement in October,’ said Minister of Finance and NDB Governor, Enoch Godongwana.

The annual meeting included engaging sessions and seminars focused on energy; unloc
king financing for sustainable development in emerging markets and developing countries; and the role of development finance institutions in infrastructure investment.

Godongwana said government looked to the NDB to provide solutions aimed at de-risking infrastructure projects through its financial instruments to attract private capital.

This, he said, would support infrastructure projects and provide technical assistance in designing innovative funding models and institutional arrangements that could accelerate infrastructure investments at a country-level.

‘However, if the bank is to continue advancing the interests of the developing world and addressing challenges such as renewable energy, infrastructure development, digital access, and job creation then the NDB must make a concerted effort to speed-up disbursements of approved projects,’ said the Minister.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has expressed his gratitude to the BRICS New Development Bank for its backing of South African infrastructure investment.

‘I want to express my gratitude once again for the bank’s pledge, and specifically for the promises made regarding the bank’s assistance for South African infrastructure investment. In this regard, we take note of the US$5.6 billion in loans extended to our country over the last eight years,’ the Deputy President said.

He was addressing the Energy Seminar convened by the BRICS New Development Bank at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Saturday.

The NDB has approved $2.3 billion for 10 renewable energy projects, including solar PV, wind, hydropower, biomass, and hybrid systems with storage. These projects aim to install a 2.8GW generation capacity, reducing over 4 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

‘We also appreciate the bank’s plans to assist Transnet in resolving the deficiencies in freight rail infrastructure. The Transnet projec
t in particular is of utmost importance in guaranteeing a goods system that is internationally competitive, allowing for the continuous expansion and diversification of the country’s economy,’ Mashatile said.

He highlighted that during their discussions they had agreed that a challenge was the sluggish payment of authorised projects in South Africa. He discussed the matter with the Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana and his team at National Treasury, who have promised to attend to it.

‘We are also impressed that the bank has appointed former National Treasury official Mr Monale Ratsoma as its Chief Financial Officer and Vice-President. We will work with you to ensure that the pledge that the bank made of US$3 billion at the BRICS Summit comes to reality because it is focused on supporting our energy strategy,’ he said.

Deputy President Mahsatile told the NDP President that the government is especially eager to learn from China’s experience in rapidly scaling up renewable energy capacity and modernising i
ts grid infrastructure; India’s successes in promoting rural electrification and integrating large-scale renewable energy projects; Brazil’s expertise in hydroelectric power and bioenergy and Russia’s strategies for managing a vast transmission network and its progress in nuclear energy.

‘We hope to gain insights into effective models for private sector participation in transmission infrastructure development; strategies for balancing grid stability with the integration of variable renewable energy sources; innovative financing mechanisms for large-scale energy projects and best practices in managing the socio-economic aspects of energy transitions.

‘Specifically, one of the lessons we are learning from one of the BRICS Member Nations is that they have invested in the creation of new cities as a method to eradicate poverty. We are of the same opinion that it is imperative to allocate resources towards the construction of new cities in Africa in order to alter the spatial perspective of our cities,’ he said.

‘As we collaborate with the NDB, we will invest in new cities in response to today’s realities, which are growing urbanisation, migration, climate change, poverty, unemployment, and pandemic management. The future is in the cities.’

The Deputy President told delegates that if South Africa accelerates the construction of these cities, it will address the large influx of people from rural areas moving to urban areas, which has put tremendous strain on cities, causing traffic congestion, housing infrastructure backlogs, and, to some extent, an increase in crime rates.

‘However, as we develop these cities, we must remember that sustainable cities require dependable, inexpensive, and renewable energy to operate. High-energy consumption patterns, rising energy costs, and environmental deterioration caused by the use of fossil fuels render cities vulnerable and inefficient,’ he said.

The Deputy President presented some of the key initiatives and reforms government has undertaken.

He spoke about the process of un
bundling Eskom into three separate entities: generation, transmission, and distribution. This separation will enhance efficiency, improve accountability, and open up the sector to much-needed competition and investment.

‘We have also implemented a debt relief programme for Eskom, allocating R254 billion over the next three years. This financial support is crucial for Eskom’s operational stability and will enable the utility to invest in critical maintenance and upgrades of existing infrastructure,’ he said.

The country is expanding generation capacity where several steps have been taken already.

‘To this end, we are implementing an ambitious transmission expansion plan, including piloting Independent Power Transmission (IPT) projects and streamlining regulations to accelerate the development of transmission infrastructure.

‘This initiative aims to unlock renewable energy potential in the Northern, Eastern, and Western Cape provinces. The aim is to connect new generation capacity to the grid.

‘As we pursu
e these reforms, we remain steadfast in our commitment to a just energy transition. We have, however, decided not to transition into the dark. We are a coal-endowed country,’ he said.

The Deputy President said the reforms and initiatives were just the beginning as the country is open to learning, adapting, and collaborating.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Acting President Paul Mashatile says any attack on the South African Police Service (SAPS) is an assault on the state itself and that those responsible for such acts, equivalent to treason, must face decisive action.

He was speaking at the SAPS National Commemoration Day at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Sunday.

Government honoured the 39 women and men in blue who died in the line of duty between April 2023 to March 2024. Their names have been engraved on the SAPS memorial wall at the Union Buildings as a symbol of gratitude for the sacrifices made in serving and protecting the nation.

‘An assault on SAPS is a direct attack on the state, and we must take action against individuals who perpetrate this crime, which is equal to treason.

‘[National Commissioner] General Fannie Masemola, police officers must not die with their service firearms on their holsters when criminals refuse to surrender and start firing at police. When a shootout ensues between police and criminals, police have a duty to protect
their lives, as well as those of their colleagues and all community members,’ he said.

Acting President Mashatile acknowledged that being a police officer was one of the most dangerous occupations and one may feel anxious knowing that they may leave their family for work and never return.

‘In your defence, you must show criminals that you are in charge. You must act decisively, using proportionate force in line with the threat you are facing according to legal provisions. You must intensify your efforts to guarantee that you defeat crime.

‘Minister Mchunu, we must make sure the police have enough tools to support their counterattack against criminals. We also need to find a balance to address the major issue of an increasing population, which police recruits simply cannot keep up with,’ he said.

Acting President Mashatile said the country must strive to attain the United Nations’ suggested ratio of one police officer for every 220 persons. He said the police-to-population ratio in South Africa has recentl
y increased, rising from about 1:353 in 2014 to 1:427 in 2023.

He told the police officers gathered at the Union Buildings that the 39 members being commemorated had entrusted them with a significant duty to carry on the baton and guarantee peace and order.

‘May you never tire of serving your nation by working harder to imprison all offenders in honour of your fallen colleagues. In the honour of these gallant crime fighters, you must remain unshaken in your resolve to keep our communities safe. May you uphold the integrity of the badge and relentlessly strive to bring those responsible for any police officer’s death to justice,’ he said.

Acting President Mashatile said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, commonly known as the Hawks, had arrested 18 suspected police killers between April and June this year.

Twelve of them were convicted and sentenced to a cumulative 139 years imprisonment. The court sentenced one of the killers to life in prison.

The Hawks’ work is ongoing to bring justice
to the families who lost their loved ones in the fight against crime, he said, adding that other cases are pending in court and that he hoped they would receive harsh sentences.

‘Of grave concern is the fact that, since 2021, inclusive of today, we have commemorated a total of 140 police men and women who lost their lives in the hands of criminals while performing their official duties.

‘This number is alarmingly high, especially considering that these are men and women who have the potential to lead the future SAPS to a crime-free South Africa,’ Acting President Mashatile said.

The Acting President emphasised that it was imperative for a collaborative approach to resolving internal challenges, including low morale among members, SAPS members involved in criminal activities, and ageing infrastructure, in order to enable the police to fulfil their constitutional obligations.

‘Fighting crime should not only be the SAPS responsibility; communities are expected to work with the police to fight criminal activi
ty, protect their properties, and help identify criminals.

‘Criminals are humans who live in our communities, and residents know where they live. As a result, we urge all community members to inform the police of criminals’ whereabouts to enable them to promptly arrest all criminal elements in our communities,’ he said.

Mashatile called for the strengthening of Community Policing Forums (CPF).

Source: South African Government News Agency

Beijing – Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola has met with his Chinese counterpart, Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi, to exchange views on bilateral, multilateral and geopolitical matters of mutual interests.

The meeting took place on Sunday in Beijing ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s second State Visit to China and the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) scheduled for this week.

‘In this inaugural meeting, the two Ministers discussed the enduring ties between the two nations, spanning many areas of cooperation.

‘They agreed to address issues such as structure of bilateral trade significantly and to increase mutually beneficial investments in areas such as agriculture, energy, manufacturing, the automotive sector, green technologies and infrastructure,’ the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said.

The talks focused in particular on South Africa’s beneficiation efforts, market access, economic growth, local job creation and the trans
fer of skills.

READ I President Ramaphosa to lead SA delegation to China for State Visit

China is South Africa’s largest trading partner globally, while South Africa is China’s number one trading partner in Africa. Total bilateral trade grew from R614 billion in 2022 to R692 billion in 2023.

‘In terms of Africa-China cooperation, South Africa believes that FOCAC must align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, especially the Second Ten- Year Implementation Plan.

‘South Africa believes implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will promote intra-Africa trade, boost economic growth and address the continent’s infrastructure deficit.

‘Through FOCAC, China offers a unique platform to contribute to continental and regional initiatives including continental integration. The Minister inter alia reflected on cooperation within the multilateral context and through their membership of fora such as BRICS and the G20,’ the department said.

The Minister welcomed China’s recent initiatives to faci
litate a reconciliation agreement among Palestinian factions, who signed the Beijing Declaration.

‘These efforts will contribute to peace building and demonstrate China’s significant role in this regard. The Minister further highlighted the need to also focus on conflicts on the African continent.’

Furthermore, both Ministers concurred that the United Nations, including the Security Council must be comprehensively reformed to bolster its ability to respond to global challenges and amplify the developing South’s representation within the Council’s memberships.

‘This would better support the legitimate aspirations of emerging and developing countries from Africa, Asia and Latin America to assume a large role in international affairs, particularly the United Nations,’ the department said.

Source: South African Government News Agency