Latest news with #ThePresidency
IOL News
4 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Ramaphosa says the National Dialogue is 'not just about talking'
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the National Dialogue is a significant national process to develop a social compact that will enable the country to meet the aspirations of the National Development Plan Image: GCIS President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday said the planned National Dialogue will not be another talk shop but will be used as an instrument to develop a social compact. Speaking during the budget vote for The Presidency in the National Assembly, Ramaphosa said the National Dialogue was being convened in response to calls from individuals and formations from across society. 'This initiative has received wide support and has been endorsed by the Government of National Unity (GNU) as a significant national process to develop a social compact that will enable us to meet the aspirations of the National Development Plan,' he said. He made the statement as the GNU's second biggest partner, the DA, announced that it will boycott the National Dialogue citing the exorbitant amount budgeted for it convening after former minister Andrew Whitfield was axed from Cabinet after he went overseas without his approval. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ramaphosa said the National Dialogue does not displace the democratic processes mandated by the Constitution nor the electoral mandates that parties carry into Parliament and the executive. He said the country has to come together at every important moment in the history to define a shared vision and forge a path into the future in dialogue with one another. 'The National Dialogue is not just about talking. Like CODESA, like the National Peace Accord, like the consultation process that led to our new Constitution, the National Dialogue is expected to produce real results that have a tangible impact on people's lives.' Ramaphosa stated that they were called upon to use the National Dialogue as an instrument of development, transformation, progress, national cohesion and nation building. 'The National Dialogue does not displace the democratic processes mandated by our Constitution, nor the electoral mandates that parties carry into Parliament and the Executive.' He also said the GNU will continue to take action to address the immediate concerns that all South Africans share to grow our economy, to create jobs, to tackle corruption and crime, and to fix local government. Ramaphosa said when they established the GNU, they understood that they were embarking on a new era in the life of the country's democracy. 'We understood that there would be complex dynamics and novel challenges that we would need to navigate.' Citing one of successes of the GNU, he said they have together adopted the Medium Term Development Plan, which outlines clear actions to be undertaken over the next five years in pursuit of three strategic priorities. He also said across all ministries, all departments and all national entities, there was a commitment to implement the agreed actions and to move with urgency and purpose to address the needs of South Africans. 'Most importantly, there is a shared understanding that we need to rise above our differences and to work together to make progress on our most important challenges. The approach of the GNU is to enhance national cohesion and nation building and to build partnerships across society to advance the common interests of all South Africans.' Ramaphosa further said the formation of the GNU has inspired new hope in South Africans that they can make progress in addressing the most urgent challenges. He said their task was to grow the economy, create jobs, reduce poverty, tackle corruption and crime, and build a state that worked with institutions that will stand the test of time. 'While we will always have differences and disagreements, we are all committed to staying the course and seeing these reforms through to the end. 'We must combine the strength of our principles and convictions with an openness and willingness to listen and adapt,' Ramaphosa said.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
What Ramaphosa's Presidency budget will focus on
President Ramaphosa will outline the 7th administration's strategic priorities in Parliament, with a focus on infrastructure, economic transformation and ethical leadership. President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to table the Presidency Budget Vote for the 2025 and 2026 financial year on Wednesday afternoon, at the National Assembly in Parliament, Cape Town. According to the Presidency, the Budget Vote will focus on the 7th administration's three strategic priorities, which includes promoting inclusive growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state. 'These priorities are embodied by The Presidency's flagship programmes Operation Vulindlela, Presidential District Development Model and the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission, among transformative initiatives to inculcate a nation that works for all,' Presidency spokesperson Vincent Mangwenya said in a statement on Tuesday.
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Why has President Ramaphosa overlooked Deputy Police Minister Boshielo?
Deputy ministers are appointed to assist ministers in carrying out their duties, but The Presidency has confirmed that such appointments remain the sole prerogative of President Ramaphosa. The purpose of a deputy minister has again been questioned as chaos engulfs the police ministry. Firoz Cachalia will assume the acting police minister position on 1 August, but President Cyril Ramaphosa added more fuel to the fire with a shock announcement. The fallout has been endless since KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi rocked the security cluster with damning allegations against officials two weeks ago. Presidential prerogative The president announced on Tuesday that Minister of Mineral Resources Gwede Mantashe will lead the police ministry on an acting basis until Cachalia takes over in two weeks. The Presidency confirmed on Tuesday that Mantashe will retain his mineral resources role, with many asking why Deputy Minister Polly Boshielo was not drafted in. Spokesperson for The Presidency, Vincent Magwenya, was asked why the president had not considered Boshielo for a promotion. 'The question assumes that there's a template or criteria, and it ignores the prerogative that the constitution grants to the president in appointing members of the national executive,' Magwenya told The Citizen. Before her appointment to Ramaphosa's Cabinet, Boshielo served as Limpopo MEC for transport and previously held the position of MEC for education. Boshielo had an earlier stint in the national assembly from 2014 to 2015 before being redeployed to Limpopo, where she was elected speaker of the provincial legislature. In addition to her ANC membership, the Seshego native has also been a member of the South African Communist Party. Staffing costs Boshielo addressed the question herself on Tuesday, stating that the temporary promotion would not be permissible. 'In terms of the law, the deputy minister can't be appointed as the acting minister, only if let's say there is a reshuffle,' Boshielo told SAfm. 'We are waiting for the acting minister to start working with us. Yes, we have spoken to our staff. I cannot lie to you, the morale is a bit low,' she added. Cachalia will act as the minister while a commission of inquiry investigates Mkhwanazi's allegations, raising additional questions about possible staff expenses. 'Yes, [Cachalia] will be able to bring his own staff once he has made his own assessment on how he will prefer to work,' Magwenya explained to The Citizen. 'He can also choose to use some of Minister Mchunu's staff. It will be up to him once he has made an assessment,' he added. Bloated Cabinet The purpose of deputy ministers was raised last year after Ramaphosa announced a bloated Cabinet to accommodate the government of national unity. ActionSA have led the charge to ditch deputy minister roles altogether, launching a Cabinet amendment bill to abolish the positions. The party states that doing so would save South Africa as much as R1.5 billion in salaries, support staff costs and perks. 'The president must seize this moment, right-size the Cabinet and restore effective governance,' stated ActionSA parliamentary leader Athol Trollip. '[This] Cabinet is not only one of the largest in the world but also deeply ineffective, with worsening socio-economic indicators reflecting a failure rooted in absent reforms,' he concluded. NOW READ: Minister perks and broader definition of corruption — ActionSA's legislative proposals
The Citizen
11-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Mpumalanga pays tribute to DD Mabuza
The people of Mpumalanga are mourning the passing of the former deputy president, Dabede David Mabuza. Mabuza – or 'the Cat', as he was affectionately known – died in hospital on July 3 at the age of 64, following a short illness. President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a category 2 state funeral for the late former deputy president. According to the State and Provincial Official Funeral Policy Manual of The Presidency, a category 2 state funeral is reserved for a deputy president of the republic, an acting president, and a former deputy president. 'While preparations unfold, President Ramaphosa has declared that a period of national mourning be observed from Monday, July 7 until the evening of Saturday, July 12,' a statement from The Presidency read. 'During this period, the national flag must be flown at half-mast at all flag stations around the country.' The Mpumalanga premier, Mandla Ndlovu, described Mabuza as a towering figure who devoted his time to serving the people of South Africa. 'It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of national loss that we mourn the passing of the former deputy president,' said Ndlovu. He highlighted Mabuza's passion for education, noting the legacy he left through the replacement of farm schools with state-of-the-art boarding schools. 'DD attributed his visionary leadership, characterised by massive infrastructure development and investment in human capital, to the masses,' he added. ALSO READ: Thousands gather in Masoyi to honour David Mabuza Ndlovu said Mabuza was driven by a passion for service, until his last breath. Both men had started their careers as teachers and later worked together as provincial ANC chairperson and secretary, respectively. 'We shared ideas and learned a lot from each other. As a former educator myself, he shaped my perspective on how commitment can propel you from the classroom to responsibilities of a much larger scale,' Ndlovu explained. The Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, Linda Masina, extended her condolences to Mabuza's family. Mabuza was affectionately nicknamed the Cat after a public address in the legislature in which he said, 'Ngizwile ukuthi amagundane bekazenzela ngo-cheese (the rats were doing as they pleased with cheese while the cat was away; now the cat is back).' Sizwe Sama Yende, editor of The People's Eye, described Mabuza's death as unexpected. 'I saw photos of him on social media about two months ago at his father's funeral. He looked healthy. Mabuza was a colossus in the politics of Mpumalanga. His passing has touched many people – including myself. 'We had a typical journo-politician relationship while he was premier. Such relationships tend to be tense because journalists sometimes see things differently from politicians.' Sama Yende noted that although Mabuza left Mpumalanga under a cloud of allegations, he was never formally charged. Phumla Nkomo, better known as Phumla Music, said Mabuza played a significant role in her academic journey. 'From undergrad to postgrad, he took care of my fees from his own pocket,' she said. ALSO READ: State Funeral: Expect Temporary Road Closures 'In 2014, during the June holidays, I went to his house. On the fourth day, he drove out around 05:00 and saw us waiting outside. He said he knew my father and promised to see me the next day.' Nkomo explained that her father had suffered a stroke and her mother had been struggling to support the family. Mabuza settled her debts, enabling her to access her results. 'He made sure I lived in a fully furnished flat, had food, money, a phone, a laptop – everything I needed. He only wanted distinctions in return, and I gave him over 38,' she said. The Mabuza family spokesperson, Desmond Moela, said funeral arrangements were still under discussion. He added that the South African government would communicate details on how proceedings would be handled. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Zawya
11-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Mahama receives credentials from 5 new envoys, reaffirms commitment to global cooperation
President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday formally received the Letters of Credence from five new envoys accredited to Ghana. The presentation of credentials marks the official beginning of their diplomatic missions in the country. Speaking after receiving the letters of credentials from the new envoys, President Mahama reiterated Ghana's commitment to deepening bilateral relations with friendly countries worldwide. He emphasised the importance of fostering mutually beneficial partnerships, particularly in the areas of trade, economic development, technical and security cooperation, as well as tourism and cultural exchanges. The new envoys who presented their credentials are: – Her Excellency Mrs. Maria Da Conceicao De Souse Pilar, Ambassador of the Republic of Portugal. – His Excellency Conrad Vincent Mederic, High Commissioner of The Republic of Seychelles. – His Excellency Citizen Jesús Albert Garcia, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. – His Excellency Gonfouli Souariba, Ambassador of the Republic of Chad. – His Excellency Maximin Mangoualamangoye, High Commissioner of the Republic of Gabon. President Mahama extended his felicitations to the envoys on their appointments and expressed confidence that their presence in Ghana would contribute significantly to solidifying existing friendships and exploring new avenues for cooperation between Ghana and their respective countries. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.
