President Ramaphosa’s Domestic Initiatives: Strengthening South Africa’s Economy and Addressing Challenges

President Ramaphosa is focusing on domestic initiatives to strengthen South Africa’s economy and tackle pressing challenges. These initiatives include boosting collaboration between the government and business sector and addressing issues such as energy, logistics, crime, and corruption. The President has also expressed condolences for the loss of Zoleka Mandela and offered support to those affected by recent flooding. Additionally, he will be hosting the Special Olympics Team to acknowledge their accomplishments and overseeing the inauguration of the Border Management Authority.

Following a busy period of international engagements, President Cyril Ramaphosa is shifting his focus to domestic initiatives designed to strengthen South Africa’s economy and tackle pressing challenges. His upcoming schedule includes meetings on energy, logistics, crime and corruption, and potential collaboration opportunities between the government and business sector.

Progress on Government-Business Collaboration Effort

On September 26, 2023, President Ramaphosa convened a meeting with cabinet members and top business leaders to review the progress of the cooperative initiative launched in June 2023. This initiative’s objective is to boost the South African economy and regain public and investor trust by addressing key challenges, such as energy, logistics, and crime and corruption. President Ramaphosa emphasized the substantial progress achieved to date and stressed the significance of producing tangible results that impact everyday citizens.

Mourning the Loss of Zoleka Mandela

The Presidency has extended its condolences to the Mandela family following Zoleka Mandela’s death, recognizing her dedication to numerous social causes and offering sympathy to her loved ones.

Support for Western Cape Floods Victims

Additionally, President Ramaphosa has conveyed his condolences to those affected by the recent flooding in the Western Cape region and expressed gratitude to the disaster management teams, law enforcement agencies, NGOs, and officials involved in relief efforts.

Inaugural South Africa – Lesotho Bi-National Commission Meeting

On September 28, President Ramaphosa will welcome Lesotho’s Prime Minister, Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane, for the first session of the South Africa – Lesotho Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Pretoria. This meeting follows a 2021 agreement between the two countries to elevate their structured bilateral mechanism to a BNC, led by heads of state and government. The BNC aims to enhance bilateral relations and facilitate the completion of the reform process in Lesotho.

Celebrating the Special Olympics Team’s Success

On October 3, President Ramaphosa will host the Special Olympics Team at the Union Buildings to acknowledge their accomplishments at the Special Olympics World Games held in Berlin, Germany. The team’s achievements illustrate President Ramaphosa’s commitment to nurturing and applauding excellence among South African athletes.

Welcoming New Heads of Mission Designate

On the afternoon of October 3, President Ramaphosa will accept Letters of Credence from Heads of Mission-Designate during a ceremony in Pretoria. These official diplomatic documents signal the start of the diplomats’ ambassadorship and provide an opportunity for them to articulate their goals for enhancing partnerships between their home countries and South Africa.

Border Management Authority Inauguration

On October 5, President Ramaphosa will oversee the inauguration of the Border Management Authority (BMA) in Musina, Limpopo Province. Established as a public entity on April 1, 2023, the BMA equips South Africa with an integrated border management platform featuring a unified command and control system to promote secure borders, safe travel, and trade.

Presidential Approval of Four Significant Acts

President Ramaphosa has recently approved four crucial acts: the Land Court Act, the Traditional Courts Act, the South African Postbank Limited Amendment Act, and the Repeal of the Transkei Penal Code. These acts address various issues, ranging from creating a specialized and permanent Land Court to repealing the Transkeian Penal Code, which resulted in an unsustainable legal situation with different laws in distinct parts of South Africa.

Democratic Alliance’s Legal Challenge

The Presidency has acknowledged the Democratic Alliance’s plan to contest the appointment of Judge Phineas Mojapelo as head of the investigative panel selected by President Ramaphosa to examine the docking of the Lady R cargo vessel in Simons Town in December 2022. The President maintains that his appointment of Judge Mojapelo is lawful and will withstand scrutiny.

What is President Ramaphosa focusing on with his domestic initiatives?

President Ramaphosa is focusing on initiatives to strengthen South Africa’s economy and address challenges such as energy, logistics, crime, and corruption.

What was the objective of the cooperative initiative launched in June 2023?

The objective of the cooperative initiative launched in June 2023 was to boost the South African economy and regain public and investor trust by addressing key challenges, such as energy, logistics, and crime and corruption.

What was the purpose of the meeting between President Ramaphosa and top business leaders?

The purpose of the meeting between President Ramaphosa and top business leaders was to review the progress of the cooperative initiative launched in June 2023.

Who did the Presidency offer condolences to and why?

The Presidency offered condolences to the Mandela family following Zoleka Mandela’s death, recognizing her dedication to numerous social causes and offering sympathy to her loved ones.

What did President Ramaphosa convey to those affected by the recent flooding in the Western Cape region?

President Ramaphosa conveyed his condolences to those affected by the recent flooding in the Western Cape region and expressed gratitude to the disaster management teams, law enforcement agencies, NGOs, and officials involved in relief efforts.

What is the purpose of the South Africa – Lesotho Bi-National Commission (BNC) meeting?

The purpose of the South Africa – Lesotho Bi-National Commission (BNC) meeting is to enhance bilateral relations and facilitate the completion of the reform process in Lesotho.

What is the significance of President Ramaphosa hosting the Special Olympics Team?

President Ramaphosa hosting the Special Olympics Team at the Union Buildings to acknowledge their accomplishments at the Special Olympics World Games held in Berlin, Germany, illustrates his commitment to nurturing and applauding excellence among South African athletes.

What is the Border Management Authority (BMA)?

The Border Management Authority (BMA) is a public entity established on April 1, 2023, equipped with an integrated border management platform featuring a unified command and control system to promote secure borders, safe travel, and trade.

Which acts has President Ramaphosa recently approved?

President Ramaphosa has recently approved four crucial acts: the Land Court Act, the Traditional Courts Act, the South African Postbank Limited Amendment Act, and the Repeal of the Transkei Penal Code.

What is the Democratic Alliance’s legal challenge, and how did the President respond?

The Democratic Alliance plans to contest the appointment of Judge Phineas Mojapelo as head of the investigative panel selected by President Ramaphosa to examine the docking of the Lady R cargo vessel in Simons Town in December 2022. The President maintains that his appointment of Judge Mojapelo is lawful and will withstand scrutiny.