PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA ADDRESS AT THE UNITED NATIONS POPULATIONS FUND AND GLOBAL LEADERS NETWORK ON INVESTING IN PEACE : HEALTH FOR ADOLESCENT YOUTH AND WOMEN AT THE TICAD SUMMIT

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ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA ADDRESS AT THE  UNITED NATIONS POPULATIONS FUND AND GLOBAL LEADERS NETWORK ON  INVESTING IN PEACE : HEALTH FOR ADOLESCENT YOUTH AND WOMEN AT THE TICAD SUMMIT

Excellencies, distinguished Heads of State and Government,

Acting Executive Director of UNFPA Diene Keita,

Honourable Members of Parliament,

Development Partners and Agencies,

Partners from civil society,

Friends from the private sector,

 

It is an honour to stand before you as the chair of the Global Leaders Network for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health, alongside fellow members Ethiopia and Nigeria. 

 

The Global Leaders Network is a coalition of heads of state and government united by the conviction that the health, dignity and potential of women, children and adolescents are the cornerstones of a fair, prosperous and peaceful world.

 

The reality that we must confront is that too many women still die in childbirth of preventable causes. 

 

Too many children and adolescents still suffer and die from illnesses we know how to prevent or treat. 

 

These are not inevitable tragedies.

 

Just as every avoidable death is a policy and administrative failure, every life saved is the result of political will.

 

The Global Leaders Network commits at the highest political level to keeping the voices of the most vulnerable alive in the halls of power. 

 

The moral imperative is clear: no woman, child or adolescent should die of preventable causes.

 

We must stand firm against the reversals we are witnessing in sexual and reproductive health and rights. 

 

We believe that every woman has autonomy over her sexuality and reproductive choices. Every adolescent should get comprehensive sexual education. Every person should be free from sexually transmitted diseases. 

 

To translate conviction into action, the Global Leaders Network has identified three priorities for immediate and sustained focus.

 

First, as countries advance universal health coverage, we must place women, children and adolescents at the centre of its design and implementation. 

 

Health services need to be safe, effective, compassionate and responsive to the lived realities of those who need them most. 

 

Our second priority is to increase investment in women’, children’s and adolescents’ health. 

 

As official development assistance is cut, many countries are pursuing domestic resource mobilisation as a sustainable health financing solution. 

 

However, we must continue to foster the principle of solidarity through multilateral financing solutions. This includes the consideration of a gap financing mechanism to address the needs of countries and communities most affected by the withdrawal of official development assistance. 

 

Our third priority is to uphold sexual and reproductive health rights. 

 

The data is clear: a lack of access to safe abortion leads to higher incidents of deaths, costly complications and permanent damage leading to infertility. 

 

I call on governments, financing institutions, development partners, civil society and the private sector to push forward towards 2030 with the following convictions:

 

Firstly, reaffirm and protect funding for women’s, children’s, and adolescents’ health as a core pillar of development cooperation, even amid shifting global priorities.

 

Secondly, integrate health into broader development and climate strategies, recognising that resilient health systems are essential for adaptation, recovery and long-term sustainability.

 

Thirdly, continue to invest in innovation and digital health solutions that bridge gaps in access, particularly for rural and marginalised communities.

 

Finally, ensure accountability, so that commitments translate into measurable improvements in survival, well-being and equity.

 

The cost of inaction on these issues will be counted not only in lives lost, but in futures diminished, communities destabilised and economic opportunities foregone. 

 

But the benefits of bold, coordinated action will build social and economic prosperity for generations.

 

Women, children and adolescents must be our priority, for they represent the future that we are all working so hard to secure.

 

I thank you.

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EFF SUBMISSIONS DURING THE AD HOC COMMITTEE ON THE ALLEGATIONS OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL NHLANHLA MKHWANAZI

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EFF SUBMISSIONS DURING THE AD HOC COMMITTEE ON THE ALLEGATIONS OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL NHLANHLA MKHWANAZI

A. INTRODUCTION

1. On Monday, 18 August 2025, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) participated in the second sitting of the Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate the allegations made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The meeting commenced at 11:00AM and concluded after a full day of deliberations, ending in the evening shortly after 8:00PM.

2. The Committee’s task was to consider and adopt Terms of Reference that would guide its work. The EFF had submitted its written proposals on 8 August 2025, in line with the agreement of the Committee, ensuring that its inputs were available for all members to engage with during the drafting process.

3. This pamphlet provides a detailed account of the EFF’s submissions, how the Party engaged the proposals of other political parties, and the interventions made to protect the integrity of the Committee’s work.

B. EFF SUBMISSIONS: SUBSTANTIVE PROPOSALS

4. The EFF’s submissions were substantive, comprehensive, and rooted in the principles of accountability, independence, and transparency. All substantive proposals were accepted by the majority of the Committee. The following key amendments and insertions were advanced:

4.1. Expand the scope of the enquiry: The Terms of Reference must not only address the allegations made by Lt Gen Mkhwanazi but also investigate systemic governance failures within the South African Police Service (SAPS), Metro Police divisions, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), judiciary, and correctional services.

4.2. Collusion between state and criminal syndicates: The Committee must specifically probe allegations of collusion between politicians, law enforcement officials, prosecutors, judges, and organised criminal syndicates.

4.3. Accountability of organs of state: Insert a clause allowing the Committee to investigate any failure by organs of state or members of the executive to comply with their legal obligations and to recommend remedial action.

4.4. Allegations against Members of Parliament: Ensure the scope explicitly covers allegations made against Members of Parliament linked to criminal syndicates.

4.5. Witnesses: Extend the framework to allow incarcerated persons to be called as witnesses and to provide that all witnesses may have legal assistance either privately or through Legal Aid.

4.6. Independent evidence leader: Insist on the appointment of external senior counsel with proven experience to serve as evidence leader, rather than relying on Parliamentary Legal Services, which lack independence and credibility.

4.7. Transparency and public participation: Strengthen provisions to ensure meetings are open to the public, broadcast on Parliament’s YouTube channel and other platforms, while balancing this with the need to protect classified or sensitive information.

4.8. Handling of Classified Documents:

C. ENGAGEMENT WITH OTHER POLITICAL PARTIES

5. The EFF engaged the submissions of other political parties constructively, supporting those that strengthened the work of the Committee and opposing those that were misguided or opportunistic.

ANC Proposals – Change of mandate: The ANC proposed replacing the word investigate with enquire, thereby diluting the Committee’s powers.

EFF objection – This was firmly rejected. The National Assembly resolution clearly mandated the Committee to investigate. Any attempt to weaken this language undermines Parliament’s resolution and the constitutional responsibility to hold the executive to account.

ANC proposal – Methodology and witnesses: The ANC proposed that the Committee’s approach and witnesses be determined primarily on the basis of Lt Gen Mkhwanazi’s evidence.

EFF objection: The EFF argued this would narrow the scope improperly. While his evidence was the trigger, the enquiry must examine the broader systemic crisis affecting policing, prosecution, and governance.

ANC Proposal – Parliamentary Legal Services as evidence leaders: The ANC argued that Parliamentary Legal Services should serve as evidence leaders, citing efficiency and cost-saving.

EFF objection – The EFF rejected this on grounds of independence and impartiality.

Parliamentary staff are structurally accountable to the Speaker and the ANC Chief Whip. Their involvement would compromise credibility. The Committee agreed instead that external senior counsel with relevant expertise must be appointed.

The EFF also noted that while some proposals from the DA tended to repeat or over expand on matters already covered, they were not objectionable. Proposals from MKP were largely administrative in nature and immaterial to the substantive issues except the matter of handling classified information.

Where information submitted to the Committee points to classified documents that conceal or relate to criminality within the scope of the enquiry, the Committee must assist with the necessary legal processes to have such documents declassified.

Parliament, as an organ of state mandated to hold the executive accountable, cannot allow classification to be used as a shield against exposure of wrongdoing. The Committee must therefore be empowered to facilitate declassification in a lawful manner so that all relevant evidence can be interrogated transparently and thoroughly.

D. DEFENCE OF PROPER PROCESS

6. During the course of the 10-hour meeting, an attempt was made to adopt the Terms of Reference without members having sight of the final consolidated document.

The EFF intervened decisively, objecting to such a move. The Party insisted that no Terms of Reference should be adopted unless every member had read, interrogated, and understood the final draft.

7. This objection carried the support of other political parties, and the Chairperson had to concede. The EFF reminded the Committee that the credibility of its work rests on thoroughness and fairness, particularly given the magnitude of the allegations before it.

E.OUTCOME OF THE MEETING

8. The outcome of the 18 August 2025 sitting was clear:

8.1. No Terms of Reference were adopted.

8.2. A further urgent meeting will be convened to consider and adopt a final draft.

8.3. The Committee resolved to secure the services of external senior counsel as evidence leader, in line with the EFF’s proposal.

8.4. Members raised concerns, led by the EFF, about the poor quality of back-office support, which reinforced the need for independent legal expertise.

F.CONCLUSION AND CALL TO THE PUBLIC

9. The Economic Freedom Fighters reaffirm their commitment to engaging the Ad Hoc Committee with seriousness and determination. The Committee has a historic responsibility to investigate the allegations raised by Lt Gen Mkhwanazi, which touch on organised crime, political interference, and systemic governance failures.

10. The EFF calls on all members of society to take active interest in the work of the Committee. The meetings are open and broadcast live on Parliament’s YouTube channel and selected media platforms. Citizens must follow these proceedings, as the outcomes will have significant implications for policing, justice, and accountability in South Africa.

11. The EFF will continue to play its role without fear or favour, ensuring that the

truth is brought to light and that accountability is upheld.

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THE UNITED STATES’ INTERFERENCE IN SOUTH AFRICA’S RELATIONS WITH IRAN AND RAMAPHOSA’S INTERFERENCE WITH THE MILITARY

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 ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

THE UNITED STATES’ INTERFERENCE IN SOUTH
AFRICA’S RELATIONS WITH IRAN AND RAMAPHOSA’S INTERFERENCE WITH
THE MILITARY

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) notes the recent reports that the United States government has expressed “great concern” and is demanding clarity from South Africa regarding the visit by the Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) General Rudzani Maphwanya to the Islamic Republic of Iran. We reject, with contempt, this arrogant posture by the United States, which presumes that South Africa owes it explanations for its sovereign diplomatic and military engagements. Equally we are appalled by our government’s interference with the work of the Military – this is a conduct unbecoming of a constitutional state.

South Africa is an independent nation and we reserve the right to pursue trade, economic, diplomatic, and military relations with whomever we deem fit, including Iran. South Africa with Iran belongs to the grouping of the BRICS countries that collaborate on social political and military matters. The enemies of the United States do not automatically constitute themselves as the enemies of South Africa, nor will our engagements be dictated by their shifting hostilities. This particular engagement with Iran was planned well before current tensions, dating back to 2024, and cannot be dismissed on the basis of temporary geopolitical disputes between the United States and Iran.

The hypocrisy of the United States is laid bare in its audacity to question South Africa’s sovereign choices. The same United States openly provides billions of dollars in military aid to Israel, a settler-colonial regime engaged in genocide against the people of Palestine, and to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, a nation with which South Africa maintains friendly relations. At no point has South Africa demanded an explanation or threatened its relations with the United States for arming those who kill and oppress our allies. Yet they presume that they can police our engagements with Iran, a

sovereign state which has consistently stood on the side of Palestine and the

oppressed.

It is now clear why President Cyril Ramaphosa distanced himself from this visit, presenting it as if the Chief of the SANDF had gone rogue. In reality, he sought to downplay the engagement, anticipating America’s displeasure and bending once more to the need to appease Donald Trump. This cowardly behaviour is consistent with the behaviour he displayed when he was in the Oval Office, unable to assert South Africa’s independence in the face of imperial arrogance. Ramaphosa’s actions expose a leadership that is timid and incapable of defending the dignity of our nation.

The most concerning issue in this regard is the apparent political interference with the military by the President and his executive. We support the independence of the military whose activities cannot be dictated to by politicians including their commander in chief. We reject calls for the Military to enter the diplomatic realm by of meting out any apology as part of aiding a spineless approach that Ramaphosa has demonstrated so far in his dealings with the United States.

The EFF reaffirms its support for Iran’s right to self-defence against imperialist aggression and for its role as an ally of Palestine in the struggle against Israeli genocide. South Africa must not succumb to bullying and intimidation from the United States. We must continue to engage freely with Iran and all other nations we choose to, without reducing our foreign policy to the emotions of Donald Trump or any other American president.

General Rudzani Maphwanya, the Chief of SANDF, must firmly reject any attempts by politicians to control our Army. His primary constitutional responsibility is to safeguard the people of South Africa, not to appease political agendas. Now is the critical moment for the SANDF forces to assert their presence, particularly as South Africa grapples with a leadership crisis contributing to soaring levels of poverty, rampant corruption, alarming unemployment rates, and a rising cost of living.

The United States must face the reality that the era of unilateral global dominance is over. The world is shifting towards a multipolar order, where nations engage with each other as equals, not as subordinates of Washington. The EFF, therefore, calls on the South African government to remain firm and principled, and to assert our right to determine our diplomatic, economic, and military relations.

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