PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA AT THE 7TH AFRICAN UNION-EUROPEAN UNION SUMMIT

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PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA AT THE 7TH AFRICAN UNION-EUROPEAN UNION SUMMIT

THEMATIC SESSION 1 MULTILATERALISM

24 NOVEMBER 2025 

LUANDA, ANGOLA       

Your Excellency João Lourenço, President of Angola and Chairperson of the African Union,

Your Excellency António Costa, President of the European Council, Your Excellency Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, Your Excellency Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Your Excellency António Gutteres, Secretary-General of the United Nations,

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Allow me to begin by congratulating our hosts, the Republic of Angola, on the 50th anniversary of their independence.

This milestone is a reminder of the long road we have travelled together, as countries and as a continent. It gives us inspiration and encouragement as we chart the road ahead.

It is fitting that the African Union's theme for this year is: “Year of Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”.

If, in line with this them, we are to address historical injustices and build a better future, we need to reinforce multilateralism.

The multilateral system is under great pressure. Geopolitical rivalry continues to cause turbulence in the rules-based international order. 

South Africa remains convinced that global challenges are best resolved through multilateralism anchored on the principles of the United Nations Charter. 

Significant reforms are required to transform the United Nations, global financial architecture, and the international trade system to enhance sustainability, efficiency, inclusiveness and the voice of developing economy countries.

More than two thirds of UN General Assembly Member States still do not enjoy permanent representation on the Security Council. 

To ensure the Security Council's credibility and legitimacy, we need to advance Africa's position as per the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration.

For Africa, a stable and predictable multilateral trading system is essential to support growth and meaningful integration into the global economy.

Inequality in global trade affects the world’s most vulnerable, including countries that are already burdened by mounting sovereign debt, a sharp decline in exports, and cuts in overseas development assistance. 

These are issues that are addressed in the G20 Leaders’ Declaration adopted in Johannesburg over the weekend.

In the declaration, the leaders reaffirm their commitment to support efforts by low- and middle-income countries to address debt vulnerabilities.

They also affirm the importance of a rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core.

Significantly, the Leaders’ Declaration acknowledges that the agreed-upon rules in the WTO are key to facilitating global trade. 

In the declaration, the G20 leaders recognise that meaningful and comprehensive reform of the WTO is essential to improve its functions so that it is better suited to advance all Members’ objectives.

When global trade systems are stable and predictable, it gives confidence to governments, assurance to exporters and offers security to workers around the world.

Such reform should be development-centred and address persisting development gaps in the global economy. Crucially, it must allow developing economies to adopt legitimate public policy measures that support value addition, industrialisation and diversification.

We need to ensure that trade becomes a powerful instrument for inclusive, sustainable and balanced growth.

This year, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the AU-EU Partnership. 

This is a pivotal moment to jointly champion Africa’s Agenda 2063 and its Second Ten Year Implementation Plan, with youth and women empowerment at the centre of our efforts.

As we build this partnership between Africa and Europe – as we reflect on where we have come from and where we want to go – we must be resolute in working towards deepening the economic, social and political integration of the African continent. 

I thank you.

*ISSUED BY THE PRESIDENCY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA* 

www.thepresidency.gov.za 

Luanda, Angola

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KicksOff 16 Days of Activism against GBVF Campaign

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KicksOff 16 Days of Activism against GBVF Campaign 

The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) will on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, launch the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign. The campaign will run from Tuesday, 25 November 2025 to Wednesday, 10 December 2025, under the theme “Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls working together to end GBVF”. 

Members of the media are invited as follows: Date: Tuesday, 25 November 2025 Time: 13h00 Venue: Orlando Community Hall 

The campaign seeks to raise awareness about the widespread issue of Gender-based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and to inspire collective action across all sectors of society. This year’s campaign emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of GBVF, promoting positive masculinity and gender equality, while emphasising the importance of men, women, boys and girls working together to combat GBVF. MEC for Social Development, Faith Mazibuko, is expected to lead a colloquium during the launch, to enable meaningful engagement between government, civil society, academia, and GBVF service recipients. 

It aims to create space for survivors' voices to be heard, ensuring that the campaign reflects lived experiences and not just policy intentions. GBVF Brigades together with stakeholders including the Community Patrollers will be on the ground, conducting door-to-doors ahead of the formal programme to bring awareness around GBVF and allow early detection of GBV. In addition, various programmes will be conducted throughout the campaign, in the five regions of Gauteng to highlight the role of the provincial government in driving an integrated approach to the fight against GBVF. 

This underscores government’s commitment to prevent violence, ensure the protection and support of GBV survivors, provide the necessary justice and dignity they deserve. 

“The recent marches across our province and the country demonstrate that we must act with urgency and respond to the matter with practical solutions. 

We envisage this year’s campaign to be impactful and responsive to the needs of citizens,” said the Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi. 

 

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COUNCILLOR IN COURT FOR TWO COUNTS OF ATTEMPTED MURDER

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COUNCILLOR IN COURT FOR TWO COUNTS OF ATTEMPTED MURDER

A 34-year-old Ward 29 Councillor from Pienaar,  Dumsane Christopher Gonrover Masilela, appeared in Kanyamazane Periodical Court on two counts of attempted murder following a violent altercation stemming from the death of a minor.

According to information received, on 20 November 2025,  a father from Pienaar confronted his 16-year-old daughter after noticing that she appeared distressed and frequently cried. The daughter allegedly informed him that a boy from her school had been abusing her.

The father then drove with his daughter to the boy’s residence in their neighbourhood to establish the identity of the alleged perpetrator. Upon arrival, the boy was not at home. The father returned to his residence and later dropped off his daughter.

Later that day, the father discovered that his daughter had committed suicide. He cut the rope she had used to hang herself and rushed her to the nearest clinic, where she was certified dead.

At approximately 19:30, while the father was at home mourning, he heard noises coming from the sitting room. When he went to investigate, he found members of his late wife’s family present. They confronted him about why they had not been informed of his daughter’s passing, stating that they also had a right to be notified.

An altercation then ensued between the father and his late wife’s family. During the confrontation, a councillor, known to the family as a family friend (wife’s family), allegedly became involved. The councillor reportedly drew a firearm and fired a shot, grazing the father as well as a neighbour who was attempting to intervene and stop the fight.

The two victims were taken to hospital for medical treatment.

On 21 November 2025, two cases of attempted murder were opened at Pienaar SAPS. A police investigation led to the arrest of the councillor.

The case will be back in court tomorrow for the continuation of the bail application.

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Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla Trafficking South Africans

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Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla Trafficking South Africans 

 

The Democratic Alliance is calling for urgent action from Parliament and law-enforcement after new and very disturbing information came to light about how 17 young South African men were lured into travelling to Russia and then forced into the Ukraine war.

These men were promised bodyguard or security training. But when they arrived, they were made to sign documents written in Russian, had their passports, phones and bank cards taken away, and were moved to the Donetsk region, close to active fighting. Some were forced to carry weapons and ammunition, dig trenches and operate equipment under Russian control. They have been asking their families and government for help because they want to come home.

This is a chilling case of the powerful preying on the vulnerable. The promise of a job was a death trap, and an MP stands accused of holding the door open.

The DA will be filing a criminal case with the SAPS to investigate the roles of Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla MP and others mentioned in media reports for misleading these young men and sending them into an active war zone. The matter has already been handed over to the Hawks.

The DA fully supports the Hawks investigation, and if the evidence shows that laws were broken – including trafficking, fraud or illegal foreign military activity – then the law must take its course and prosecution must follow.

Provided that Zuma-Sambudla is a sitting Member of Parliament, I am also writing to the Acting Registrar of Parliament’s Ethics Committee to request an immediate ethics investigation. Allegations of this nature, involving an MP, cannot be ignored. If a public representative abused her position to recruit or mislead young South Africans into a foreign conflict, it would be a serious breach of her Oath of office and Parliament’s ethical rules. Parliament must treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves.

I and my DA counterpart on the International Relations portfolio committee, Ryan Smith MP, will both write to our respective portfolio committee chairpersons to urge that our committees are urgently briefed on this concerning matter by the State Security Agency, Defence Intelligence, DIRCO, the Hawks and the Department of Defence. We need clarity on how this recruitment network operated inside South Africa, whether warning signs were missed, and what government is doing to bring the men home safely.

South Africa cannot allow our young people to be tricked into fighting in foreign wars. We cannot allow political connections to be used to mislead vulnerable citizens. And we cannot allow Parliament to look the other way when one of its members faces allegations of this seriousness.

The DA will continue pushing for full accountability, proper oversight and urgent action to protect our citizens and uphold the rule of law.

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Putting People at the Centre of DA Policy by John Steenhuisen

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Putting People at the Centre of DA Policy
by John Steenhuisen 

On Monday, 24 November, the Democratic Alliance convened its Policy Conference, bringing together DA Members of Parliament, Provincial Legislatures, Members of the Federal Executive, Councillors and branch members to refine and adopt the party’s next phase of policy proposals.

This policy conference affirmed four key features of the DA.

The DA is the only party that delivers services for all. This is evident where we govern. The passing of the DA’s 2026 manifesto framework affirmed this.

We celebrate the passage of new, exciting, modern, implementable policies, highlighting the fact that the DA is a vibrant party leading the charge in South Africa.

The party is united in its goal of improving the lives and livelihoods of all South Africans. With the mandate of voters, we are ready to get municipalities where we do not currently govern working again.

The people of South Africa are the centre of our policies. This is a core principle that underpins every decision we take as a party.

Where South Africans have placed their trust in the DA, they have unlocked clean governance, working services, and real opportunities. Consequently, we are committed to offering the country clear, credible and detailed plans that show exactly how a DA-led government will make life better for everyone.

Delegates approved and passed several policy offerings, including the DA’s Environment Policy, which outlines a sustainable plan to protect South Africa’s water, air, biodiversity, and natural resources while promoting environmental awareness and economic opportunities across society.

We tabled the DA’s Health Policy, which supports universal healthcare coverage that is affordable and sustainable. The ANC’s proposed NHI in its current form risks collapsing the health system and bankrupting the state. 

The DA’s alternative offers a workable, patient-centred path to universal coverage without jeopardising fiscal stability.

In addition, the conference discussed the DA’s stance on illegal immigration and border management, highlighting the need for lawful, well-managed and humane immigration practice, supported by secure borders and efficient Home Affairs systems.

Delegates also considered the DA’s 2026 Manifesto framework. Focused on four primary themes, crime, corruption, jobs and basic service delivery, the Manifesto Framework sets out our blueprint for professional, accountable, financially disciplined municipalities that deliver services and restore functionality where governance has collapsed.

I want to thank the Federal Policy Unit for their outstanding work. Their rigorous research, drafting, and analysis underpin our credibility as a party of ideas and ensure that our policy offering remains unmatched.

I would also like to thank all delegates who contributed to the conference, bringing the voices of the voters they represent directly into the DA’s policy offering.

Where the DA governs, services are rendered, opportunities increase and lives improve.

With the increased mandate of voters, we will now extend good governance, freedom, fairness and opportunity across the country. We are united by purpose, prepared and ready as we head towards the upcoming local government elections, and beyond.

This raft of policies (based on core DA principles) illustrates how and why, together with South African voters, we can sort this out.

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Responsible Celebrations and Support for Matric Learners

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Responsible Celebrations and Support for Matric Learners

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) calls on parents and guardians to ensure that their children refrain from attending the so-called “Pens Down” parties. These privately organised celebrations have become common after examinations, yet they often expose learners to serious risks.

We urge learners to celebrate the end of their high-school journey responsibly. Dangerous behaviour — including public drinking and drug use — must be avoided. The tragic loss of 21 young people at the Enyobeni Tavern in June 2022 remains a painful reminder of the consequences of unsafe celebrations. We cannot afford a repeat of such an incident.

We have also observed a trend of learners tearing or writing on their school uniforms. While we understand the excitement of completing matric, we encourage learners to do this only with old or unusable uniforms. Usable items should be donated to others who will return to school next year.

Parents and families are urged to offer emotional support to matriculants as they await their results. Excessive pressure can contribute to stress, anxiety and even depression. Paying close attention to changes in behaviour is critical during this period.

To the Matric Class of 2025: education remains one of the most powerful tools at your disposal. Despite the pressures, uncertainties and long nights, you have shown resilience and commitment. We honour your efforts and encourage you to enjoy the festive season safely and responsibly.

In the weeks and months ahead, seize opportunities that can build your skills and strengthen your future — whether through work experience, part-time employment, learnerships or volunteering. Your perseverance has brought you this far; continue to dream boldly, strive for excellence and walk with purpose.

Halala, Matrics. May Your Future Shine Brightly.

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Joburg Inclusive Economic Growth

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Joburg Inclusive Economic Growth

The City of Johannesburg’s Department of Economic Development has reaffirmed its commitment to driving inclusive economic recovery and strengthening collaboration across traditional leadership, academia, business and government.

Speaking at the Royal Business Breakfast in Soweto over the weekend—an official C20 (civil society wing of the G20) side event—the Department’s Head, Mathopane Masha, highlighted Johannesburg’s role as South Africa’s economic anchor and a vital platform for uniting diverse leadership sectors.

“Today’s gathering represents a powerful collaboration where traditional leadership, government, business and civil society come together to advance inclusive socio-economic development,” he said.

Masha added that Johannesburg’s role in hosting G20 processes presents an opportunity to channel inclusive growth at local and regional levels. “Our metropolitan diversity makes the City an ideal neutral space where urban and royal leadership can collaborate at the intersection of tradition and modernity,” he said.

The Deputy Minister for Small Business Development, Jane Sithole, emphasised the importance of centring rural transformation and traditional structures in national development. “South Africa’s traditional leadership is more than a custodian of culture — it is a strategic partner in unlocking inclusive economic growth,” she said. She noted that development must reach communities where potential remains largely untapped.

Sithole also highlighted government efforts to improve access to development finance for rural small businesses and cooperatives. “These interventions are not merely economic tools — they are instruments of dignity, independence and community resilience.”

Adding the voice of academia, Carol Keshy, Acting Director of the Johannesburg Business School, stressed the pivotal role of education, entrepreneurship and traditional leadership in advancing local economic empowerment. “Every community, from major metros to the most rural village, holds extraordinary potential waiting to be unlocked,” she said.

The Royal Business Breakfast concluded with a shared commitment from government, business, academia and traditional leadership to drive sustainable, inclusive economic growth and ensure that communities — both urban and rural — benefit from emerging opportunities.

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