Ramaphosa to launch border management authority in Musina

Ramaphosa to launch border management authority in Musina

President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Musina where he will preside over the launch of the Border Management Authority [BMA] in Limpopo.

The launch of the BMA follows its formal establishment and assumption of its status as a schedule 3 (A) public entity on 1 April 2023.

ALSO READ: Limpopo murder-accused fugitive re-arrested at his hideout

The establishment of the BMA means that South Africa now has an integrated border management platform, with a single command and control with which to support the attainment of secure borders, safe travel and trade.

President Cyril Ramaphosa to launch Border Management Authority
Beitbridge

As part of the launch, President Ramaphosa will receive President of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa to hold official talks. Also to undertake a guided tour of the Beitbridge border, supported by members of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee (IMCC) on the BMA.

PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA TO LAUNCH BORDER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

The President will then proceed to officiate the launch of the BMA at the Musina Show Grounds. This will also include handing over a Sword to the Commissioner of the BMA to delegate the powers to lead the third law enforcement authority in the Republic.

Ramaphosa addresses the nation ahead of BRICS Summit

Ramaphosa addresses the nation ahead of BRICS Summit

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday addressed the nation on South Africa’s Foreign Policy and the upcoming BRICS Summit. The BRICS countries will host a three-day summit starting on Tuesday in Sandton, Gauteng.

All the BRICS heads of state will be attending the summit in person, except for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin can’t travel to South Africa because he’s wanted by an international court for war crimes in Ukraine.

ALSO READ: Limpopo host Film and Video Workshop

WHAT IS BRICS?

BRICS is an acronym of the five members Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. It represents 23% of the world’s gross domestic product [GDP] and 42% of the world’s population.

It was formally launched in 2009 and it meets yearly at a summit hosted in rotation by one of the member countries. The meetings aim to assert their position, particularly in relation to the United States and the European Union.

President Cyril Ramaphosa with fellow BRICS Leaders
President Cyril Ramaphosa with fellow BRICS Leaders

It promotes the recognition of a multipolar global order with economic and political balance, with the aim of breaking away from organisations formed in the post-World War II era, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

BRICS has said they have sparked interest from 40 countries in joining the bloc.

Argentina, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are among the countries looking to join.

Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Comoros, Gabon, and Kazakhstan have also expressed interest to join.

ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR THE SUMMIT AS PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA ADDRESSES DELEGATES

“This BRICS Summit is particularly important as it is being held as the world is confronted by fundamental challenges. That are bound to determine the course of international events for years to come,” said Ramaphosa.

“Our world has become increasingly complex and fractured as it is increasingly polarised into competing camps.

“Multilateralism is being replaced by the actions of different power blocs, all of which we trade with, invest with, and whose technology we use.”

“It is for this reason that South Africa continues to advocate for an open and rules-based global governance, trade, financial and investment system. It must be a system that does not depend on the exercise of power or unilateralism, but by the advancement of the interests of the peoples of the world.”  

President Cyril Ramaphosa buys Buran Bull for R3.5 million

President Cyril Ramaphosa buys Buran Bull for R3.5 million

Ntaba Nyoni Boran stud owned by President Cyril Ramaphosa bought a Buran bull for a record R3.5 million price at a Mpumalanga auction.

According to African Farming, the Bull named Jester went for the highest price for a Buran bull to date. The auction took place in Davel, Mpumalanga this past weekend.

ALSO READ: Young Limpopo farmer carrying solutions to high demand for vegetables

“The highest price yet for a Boran bull was achieved over the weekend at Hurwitz Farming’s ninth production auction,” announced African Farming. 

“The bull BH 18 490 Jester was sold to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Ntaba Nyoni Boran stud near Badplaas for R3.5 million. The average price for bulls was just over R1 million. Bull BH 18 123 Socrates being sold for more than R1 million,” they said. 

“Female animals also achieved high prices, with 3-in-1 cows selling for an average of just over R277 000. The highest price was R450 000 for BH 18 35 Dianna with a calf. The buyer was Mutanda Farms from Zambia.”

President Cyril Ramaphosa buys Buran Bull for R3.5 million
Ntaba Nyoni

CYRIL RAMAPHOSA BURRAN BULL GOES FOR R3.5 MILLION 

Boran cattle were originally bred in East Africa more than 1 000 years ago. They are known for being very well adapted to harsh conditions on the continent. The greatest attribute of the Boran is its fertility.

It consists of the following genetic proportions, 64% Bos indicus, 24% European Bos taurus and 12% African Bos taurus.

The total turnover of the same auction was about R24 million. Managing director of Hurwitz Farming, Simeon Hurwitz, paid tribute to his team for the success of the auction.

“From marketing, all the way through to the daily care of our animals, the people involved with Hurwitz Farming are like family to us,” he said.

“The same goes for our buyers, and we thank everyone, from our sponsors to our service providers and every breeder who supported us.”

The sale broke another record when 12 semen straws of Picasso were sold for R88 000 each. Picasso died last year when he was struck by lightning. The buyer committed to buying another 12 straws for R85 000 each.

SA to officially recognise sign Language as 12th Official Language

SA to officially recognise sign Language as 12th Official Language

South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday sign into law a bill that will officially recognise sign Language as 12th Official Language. 

President Ramaphosa will sign the Bill in a ceremony at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. 

ALSO READ: High court grants president Cyril Ramaphosa interdict

On 02 May 2023, the National Assembly approved that Section 6 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 be amended to include South African Sign Language (SASL) as an official language to promote the rights of persons who are deaf and hard of hearing.

SIGN LANGUAGE TO BE RECOGNISED AS 12TH OFFICIAL LANGUAGE 

South Africa also becomes the fourth country on the African continent to recognise sign language as an official language. Other countries are Kenya, Zimbabwe and also Uganda. 

“The recognition of the SASL as the 12th official language is an important step towards the realisation of the rights of persons who are deaf or hard of hearing,” the presidency said on Tuesday

“South African Sign Language is an indigenous language that constitutes an important element of South African linguistic and cultural heritage. It has its own distinct grammatical structures and lexicon and it is independent of any other language.”

South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa will officially recognise sign Language as 12th Official Language
Sign language interpreter 

The new legislation also seeks to:

  1. Advance the cultural acceptance of SASL; 
  2. Ensure the realisation of the rights of persons who are deaf and hard of hearing to equal protection and benefit of the law and human dignity; and 
  3. Promote inclusive and substantive equality and prevent or eliminate unfair discrimination on the grounds of disability. As guaranteed by Section 9 of the Constitution.

The event will take place between 15:00 – 16:00. 

President Ramaphosa to lead Imbizo in Sekhukhune

President Ramaphosa to lead Imbizo in Sekhukhune

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday interact with the community of Sekhukhune District, Limpopo province at the Presidential Imbizo. The eighth District Development Model (DDM) Imbizo is themed “Leave No One Behind”.

The DDM seeks to ensure an integrated, district-based, service delivery approach aimed at fast-tracking service delivery.

ALSO READ: Limpopo rubbishes lack of placing Junior Doctors accusations

The first part of the visit by President Ramaphosa will be at the R37 Driekop-Steelpoort Interchange Road Project. He will then proceed to Motodi Sports Complex, Ga-Motodi.

The Imbizo is a platform for face-to-face engagement between citizens and senior government leaders that holds the administration to account. It also allows the government to consult and brief communities on development and service delivery in the relevant area.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday interact with the community of Sekhukhune District, Limpopo province at the Presidential Imbizo.
President Cyril Ramaphosa

PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA TO LEAD PRESIDENTIAL IMBIZO

The engagement is also aimed at fostering collaboration between government, residents, businesses, community-based organisations and traditional leadership in transforming all districts in South Africa.

“President Ramaphosa will engage directly with the communities and stakeholders in Sekhukhune. He will also address their concerns and seek solutions to unblock challenges hindering integrated service delivery,” the presidency said.

“Sekhukhune District has been identified by the Limpopo Provincial Government as a district with immense potential for economic growth, given its abundant mineral resources and water supply.

Leading up to the dialogue with the community at the DDM Presidential Imbizo, government leaders from all three spheres have interacted with key stakeholders and paid visits to service delivery projects within the four local municipalities in the Sekhukhune District Municipality,” concluded the statement.

Ace Magashule expelled from the ANC

Ace Magashule expelled from the ANC

The ANC has expelled its former secretary General Ace Magashule, the party announced on Monday.

The party confirmed that its national disciplinary committee [NDC] met to deliberate on charges preferred against Magashule and found him guilty of contravening ANC rules and its constitution.

This comes after Magashule failed to make any representations to the NDC. He also missed Friday’s deadline to explain, why he shouldn’t be expelled from the party.

ALSO READ: Rising Cash-in-transit heists a big worry for Limpopo

“After a guilty verdict by the NDC, comrade Ace Magashule was allowed to show cause why he should not be expelled from the ANC. Upon the lapse of seven days, the NDC had not received any representations to that effect,” ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said in a statement.

“Consequently, the NDC confirmed the expulsion of comrade Ace Magashule from the ANC as a final sanction.”

ALSO READ: President Ramaphosa appoints SABC Board

Magashule is also found guilty on two counts of misconduct and contravening the party’s Constitution. In 2021, Magashule wrote a letter of suspension to the party president, Cyril Ramaphosa.

Ace Magashule expelled from the ANC
Ace Magashule expelled from the ANC

ACE MAGASHULE EXPELLED BY ANC

At the time, Magashule himself was also suspended in the midst of a corruption trial in the Free State. Magashule is also accused of suspending Ramaphosa without consulting the necessary party structures. His refusal to apologise for suspending President Ramaphosa also leaves him in the political wilderness. The NDC has now decided the fate of the former Free State Premier.

Magashule had initially told the SABC that the explanation reports rubbish and were fake. On Monday, Magashule told IOL after his expalsion was announced that he was unbothered.

“I’m fine, I saw breaking news on social media and television. I’m OK, I’m not perturbed,” he said.

President Ramaphosa appoints SABC Board

President Ramaphosa appoints SABC Board

President Cyril Ramaphosa has finally appointed the SABC Board. This comes six months after the term of the previous board came to an end.

The president had come under heavy criticism from opposition parties for the delay in appointing the board. In December last year, parliament approved a list of 12 names to serve as non-executive members.

Also Read: High court grants president Cyril Ramaphosa interdict

The appointed non-executive members will serve for five years, effective from the date of the publication of notice in the Government Gazette.

RAMAPHOSA ENDORSE NEW CHAIRPERSON

Ramaphosa has also designated Khathutshelo Ramukumba as Chairperson and Nomvuyiso Batyi as the Deputy Chairperson of the Board.

President Cyril Ramaphosa appoints SABC Board
President Cyril Ramaphosa appoints SABC Board

NEWLY APPOINTED SABC BOARD MEMBERS

There is the full list of the 12 board members:

Mr. Khathutshelo Ramukumba [Chairperson]
Ms. Nomvuyiso Batyi [Deputy Chairperson]
Dr Renee Horne;
Adv Tseliso Thipanyane;
Ms Phathiswa Magopeni;
Ms. Aifheli Makhwanya;
Mr Dinkwanyane Mohuba;
Ms Magdalene Moonsamy;
Ms Rearabetsoe Motaung;
Mr David Maimela;
Mr Mpho Tsedu; and
Ms Palesa Kadi.

The SABC is a vital institution of our constitutional democracy,” said the President in a statement.

“I trust the newly appointed board members will work hard at ensuring that South Africa continues to benefit from a stable, independent and effective national public broadcaster.” 

BREAKING NEWS: President Ramaphosa announces cabinet reshuffle

BREAKING NEWS: President Ramaphosa announces cabinet reshuffle

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a cabinet reshuffle on Monday evening with few new faces coming in the new executive.

South African citizens have been anticipating the announcement since the resignation of deputy president David Mabuza.

Mabuza had also informed Ramaphosa of his desire to resign in February this year. But was asked to stay in office while the process of appointing his replacement was finalised. Parliament received Mabuza’s resignation as an MP on Wednesday last week

ALSO READ: President Ramaphosa to announce cabinet reshuffle on Monday

ANC deputy president Paul Mashatile has now been appointed as deputy president of the country.

Newly elected ANC Secretary Fikile Mabula has also quit his role as Transport Minister.

ALSO READ: Police Minister Bheki Cele not worried about cabinet reshuffle 

President Ramaphosa also announced the creation of the electricity ministry, Ministry for Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation. This is part of a series of measures aimed at addressing South Africa’s energy generation crisis and easing load-shedding. The new minister of electricity is Kgosientso Ramokgopa.

PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA CABINET RESHUFFLE

NEW MINISTER APPOINTMENTS

Khumbudzo Ntshavheni: Minister in the Presidency

Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma: Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities

Ms Maropene Ramokgopa: Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation

Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa: Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity

Mondli Gungubele: Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

Thembi Nkadimeng: Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Noxolo Kiviet: Minister of Public Service and Administration

Sihle Zikalala: Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure

Zizi Kodwa: Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture

Patricia de Lille: Minister of Tourism

Sindisiwe Chikunga: Minister of Transport

Ministers that have been fired are: Nathi Mthethwa, Lindiwe Sisulu and Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.

NEW DEPUTY MINISTERS

Nomasonto Motaung and Mr Kenneth Morolong: Deputy Ministers in the Presidency

Sisisi Tolashe: Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities

Pinky Kekana: Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation

There will be two Deputy Ministers for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr Parks Tau and Mr Zolile Burns-Ncamashe.

There will be two Deputy Ministers for Water and Sanitation, Mr David Mahlobo and Ms Judith Tshabalala

Bernice Swarts: Deputy Minister of Public Works

Dipuo Peters: Deputy Minister of Small Business Development

Obed Bapela: Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises

Lisa Mangcu: Deputy Minister of Transport

RELATED POST: SARS confirms that Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala stollen dollars not declared

SARS confirms that Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala stollen dollars not declared

SARS confirms that Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala stollen dollars not declared

The Democratic Alliance have revealed that the US stollen dollars hidden inside a couch on the Phala Phala farm of President Cyril Ramaphosa were not declared to SARS.

This comes as the South African tax authorities were not able to find any record of Hazim Mustafa, the Sudanese businessman who paid $580 000 in cash to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm.

The DA obtained the information directly from SARS following a request submitted in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA).

ALSO READ: High court grants president Cyril Ramaphosa interdict

PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA VERSION OF THE SAGA

Towards the end of last year, President Ramaphosa claimed that he had received US$580 000 from one Hazim Mustafa as payment for cattle as part of a legitimate business transaction. Mustafa claimed in a media interview that he had complied with the requirement to declare the money to SARS officials at OR Tambo airport upon entering South Africa.

SA President Cyril Ramaphosa
SA President Cyril Ramaphosa

The SARS customs policy on excess currency stipulates that every person must declare foreign currency upon arrival in the country. Failure to adhere to this provision is an offence that may be criminally prosecuted.

SARS RESPOND TO DA REQUEST ON PHALA PHALA FARM US STOLLEN DOLLARS

DA Leader John Steenhuisen on 7 December 2022 submitted a PAIA request to SARS to obtain the relevant currency declaration forms that Mr. Hamiz Mustafa submitted to declare the US$580 000 that he was bringing into the country.

ALSO READ: Panel finds President Cyril Ramaphosa may have a case to answer

The DA received SARS’ response on Monday morning.

“The information also adds further credence to the findings of the Section 89 panel’s report that there exists prima facie evidence that Ramaphosa may have violated the Constitution. The Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, as well as his oath of office. The ANC last year abused its majority in the National Assembly to reject the panel’s report and Ramaphosa vowed to overturn it in court,” said Steenhuisen.

RELATED STORY: ANC NEC resolves for Cyril Ramaphosa to remain president

Police Minister Bheki Cele not worried about cabinet reshuffle 

Police Minister Bheki Cele not worried about cabinet reshuffle 

Minister of Police Bheki Cele insists he is not worried about the possibility of being moved away from the portfolio amid the looming Cabinet reshuffle.

Reports suggest that President Cyril Ramaphosa is likely to put Bheki Cele in charge of the State Security Agency (SSA). Meaning a new Minister of Police could be appointed with Aaron Motsoaledi tipped to take over. 

ALSO READ: Parliament receives president Cyril Ramaphosa report on Phala Phala

Ramaphosa is set to finally reshuffle his cabinet and appoint a minister of electricity and a new deputy president to replace outgoing David Mabuza. 

Mabuza sent a letter to parliament this week confirming that he’s stepping down. He is expected to be replaced by ANC Deputy president Paul Mashatile. 

Cele was asked during his visit to Sophiatown Police station on Thursday. Thirteen people have been shot over the last four days in gang related crimes. 

CABINET RESHUFFLE DOESN’T BOTHER CELE 

“Don’t go and cry at a wrong funeral. If you want to know anything about a reshuffle, you know the man to ask,” he told journalists. 

“He [president Cyril Ramaphosa] is in Mahlamba Ndlopfu or Union building as we speak. Why should I be worried? I was put here.

ALSO READ: Minister Bheki Cele pays a visit to massacred family members

“I did not apply or send a CV and I didn’t ask so I will not ask when I am removed. So why should I be worried? This is not inheritance, this is a job. Do the job when you are given, when it’s taken and given to someone,” he added. 

“You go in with life. So you think I can stop working and be worried about reshuffling? This is not a Stokvel we are working here.” 

ALSO READ: Man wrongfully arrested for Senzo Meyiwa’s murder sues for R21m

UPDATE ON THE AKA MURDER CASE 

Minister Cele also gave an update on the investigation regarding the killing of SA Hip hop star Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, popularly known as AKA.

“The Forbes one. The latest report yesterday that I got from the province because it is handled at the Province level. They are making progress but for now I will end there with that one.”

RELATED POST: Deputy President David Mabuza resigns as MP