President Cyril Ramaphosa’s public engagement program for May 2023 demonstrates his administration’s dedication to promoting and strengthening South Africa’s global presence. The program encompasses various events and activities covering a wide range of topics, from healthcare to regional peace and security, as well as bilateral relationships with other countries.
The 2nd Presidential Health Summit
One of the critical events of the program is the 2nd Presidential Health Summit. The Summit aims to bring together key stakeholders from various constituencies within the health sector to assess the implementation of interventions agreed upon during the first Summit held in 2018. In addition, the Summit will also evaluate the performance of the health system against the Presidential Health Compact signed by the President and all social partners in 2019, committing social partners to a five-year program to improve healthcare services in the country.
The 11th High-Level Summit of the Regional Oversight Mechanism
Another important event is the 11th High-Level Summit of the Regional Oversight Mechanism of the Peace, Security, and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Great Lakes Region. The Summit will occur amid the deteriorating political and security situation in Eastern DRC caused by the resurgence of the M23 rebel movement. The Summit will discuss the deployment of East African Community (EAC) troops and their role in dealing with opposing forces in the eastern DRC, notably the M23.
Extra-ordinary Organ Troika Summit Plus
President Ramaphosa will attend the Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit Plus and Force Intervention brigade troop-contributing countries in Windhoek, Namibia. The Summit will receive a report from the SADC Field Assessment Mission in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and consider the regional response to the worsening security and humanitarian situation.
Working Visits
The President’s public engagement program also includes working visits from the Bulgarian President and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore. The holidays will focus on building political and trade ties and cultural exchanges between South Africa and the two countries.
Commitment to a Better South Africa
President Ramaphosa’s public engagement program for May 2023 provides a comprehensive vision for a better South Africa. It reflects the President’s commitment to engaging with various stakeholders on issues of national importance, promoting trade and cultural exchanges, and enhancing bilateral relationships with other countries.
