Latest news with #SustainableInfrastructureDevelopmentSymposiumSouthAfrica
The Citizen
11-06-2025
- Climate
- The Citizen
Ramaphosa urges caution as floods claims lives in Eastern Cape
Heavy rain, snow and floods have battered the Eastern Cape. President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) at Century City on 27 May 2025. Picture: Gallo Images/ER Lombard As rescue efforts continue to locate missing schoolchildren swept away in a minibus taxi in the Eastern Cape, President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives linked to the region's severe weather conditions. Residents reportedly recovered three bodies near a riverbank on Wednesday morning. It's unclear if the three bodies found were part of the children reported missing in the minibus taxi. Missing children The Citizen understands that the vehicle was found on Wednesday morning after floodwaters receded, but 11 children are still missing. Nine other bodies were also recovered since heavy rain and snow battered the Eastern Cape this week. Eight of the bodies were found around Decoligny village in Mthatha, while the ninth body was recovered at Tsolo near the Bedlana River on Tuesday. ALSO READ: Where are the kids? Eastern Cape scholar transport recovered, but children still missing [VIDEO] 'Deep condolences' Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said the president has conveyed his 'deep condolences' to the bereaved families, affected communities and Eastern Cape residents. 'The president says these incidents and others that may unfold during winter highlight the need for South Africans to display caution, care and cooperation as the worst impacts of winter weather take effect across the country'. Magwenya said Ramaphosa's thoughts are with citizens who have been affected. 'The president assures the nation that national, provincial and municipal authorities – including the National Disaster Management Centre – are giving the requisite attention to crises as they unfold.' 'Nature's forces demand that we work together' Ramaphosa has welcomed the support from businesses, the community, and faith-based organisations, as well as charities and other organisations, including the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI). 'The devastation that comes with nature's forces demand that we work together as best we can to bring relief to families and communities who need this the most. This is a time where we need to take care of ourselves in our homes and reach out to neighbours and friends who need help of any kind. Road safety Ramaphosa has urged road users to observe the bylaws and regulations that exist to protect motorists during adverse weather conditions. 'We also need to exercise caution on our roads when travelling for work or leisure, or as we get out in nature, where we may want to see such sights as snowfall or flooded rivers'. 'Our beautiful country is a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable place for all of us for most of the year, but we cannot escape winter's intensity and our own vulnerability. 'Let's show our care for each other this winter and let Ubuntu see us through to spring,' Ramaphosa said. ALSO READ: Snow hits parts of South Africa: Road closures, travel restrictions in place [PICS]
The Citizen
10-06-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
‘There is no state capture in NPA': Ramaphosa to meet Batohi after infiltration claims
The NPA has made progress in prosecuting high-profile cases, according to the president. President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) at Century City on 27 May 2025. Picture: Gallo Images/ER Lombard President Cyril Ramaphosa says there is no state capture within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) amidst growing criticism over its handling of several high-profile cases. This follows recent remarks by National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Shamila Batohi, who alleged that the NPA had been 'infiltrated' by rogue elements. Her comments came in the wake of criticism directed at the NPA, particularly over its handling of a special plea concerning Moroadi Cholota, the personal assistant to former Free State premier Ace Magashule. In addition to the Cholota matter, the NPA has faced scrutiny for bungling several cases, including the corruption case against former Cabinet minister Zizi Kodwa and the rape trial of Nigerian Pastor Timothy Omotoso. Ramaphosa to meet with Batohi over NPA claims Speaking to the media in Saulsville, Pretoria, during an engagement with beneficiaries of government employment programmes on Tuesday, Ramaphosa confirmed plans to meet Batohi. The president noted that Batohi walked back her claim about infiltration following a meeting with Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi last week. 'The NDPP did make that statement, and she has later said she used the wrong word about the infiltration. 'I'm going to have a meeting with her so she can really take out of her chest some of the challenges she is facing,' Ramaphosa said. ALSO READ: Batohi clarifies NPA infiltration claims to justice minister amid criticism He emphasised that, despite challenges, the NPA has made notable progress in prosecuting high-profile cases. 'The NPA has really done considerable work to stabilise itself as well as to go on with various prosecutions. 'Quite often we look at those where there is failure or where there are mistakes, and we think the whole system is not working,' Ramphosa said. 'I don't believe that there is state capture now that is underway in the NPA 'I do believe that there are some really good prosecutors in the NPA, and there are those [who] are putting in a lot of effort. A number of cases are being prosecuted, including those that came out of the Zondo Commission,' he added. Response to Higher Education minister controversy Ramaphosa also addressed recent controversy involving Higher Education Minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, who faced criticism over her conduct and the contentious Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta) board appointments. Nkabane appeared before parliament's portfolio committee on higher education and training on 30 May, where she was questioned about the appointments. The list, which leaked to the public, drew criticism for including ANC-affiliated figures such as former KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, former ANC KZN deputy chairperson Mike Mabuyakhulu, and Buyambo Mantashe, son of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe. READ MORE: No party favourites: Minister defends appointment of Mantashe's son to Seta board Though the appointments were withdrawn, Nkabane refused to reveal the names of the independent panel members who advised her on the candidates to members of parliament. She also came under scrutiny after videos surfaced showing her chewing during the meeting. In response, Ramaphosa requested that Nkabane submit a detailed report on the appointment process and her conduct. 'She is meant to give me a report. She has received a clear letter from me, so that is still underway. When it happens, we will be able to communicate that and what it is we need to do going forward,' the president told reporters on Tuesday. Teacher assistant programme Ramaphosa spoke about the government's ongoing commitment to the teacher assistant programme, saying the employment initiative was in need of expansion. He highlighted the programme's positive impact and reiterated efforts to make such positions permanent. 'We would want it to be much longer than what it is now. It is a question of not having sufficient resources to be able to extend it beyond.' He acknowledged weaknesses in the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), but claimed that the teacher assistant initiative has remained free of corruption. 'There has not even been any funny processes. It's been flawless, and it has been well-executed.' NOW READ: 'Expanded looting': Civil servants steal R14 million from EPWP funds
The Star
28-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Ramaphosa stands firm against Trump: 'We will not arrest Malema over Kill the Boer'
Simon Majadibodu | Published 1 day ago President Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to United States President Donald Trump confronting him with clips of EFF leader Julius Malema chanting 'Kill the boer,' saying that South Africa will not be instructed by any foreign leader on whom it should arrest. 'When it comes to the issue of arresting anyone for any slogan, that is a sovereign issue,' Ramaphosa told the media on Tuesday on the sidelines of the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) conference in Cape Town 'It's not a matter where we need to be instructed by anyone to go and arrest this one.' Ramaphosa defended the controversial 'Kill the boer, kill the farmer' chant, often sung by Malema, and called it a liberation song. 'We are a very proud, sovereign country that has its laws, that has its processes, and we take into account what the constitutional courts also decided.' 'The slogan, kill the boer, kill the farmer, is a liberation chant and slogan.' 'That's not meant to be a message that elicits or calls upon anyone to go and be killed. And that is what our court decided,' he added. He warned against external attempts to influence South Africa's legal system. 'We follow the dictates of our constitution because we are a constitutional state and we are a country where freedom of expression is the bedrock of our constitutional arrangement.' Ramaphosa's comments come after Trump called for the arrest of Malema over his use of the controversial 'Kill the Boer' chant, escalating already strained relations between the two countries. Trump made the remarks during the meeting with President Ramaphosa at the White House. The meeting aimed to address growing diplomatic and economic tensions. During the discussion, Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen told Trump, top US officials, and media that his party joined the Government of National Unity to prevent certain political parties, particularly the EFF and uMkhonto weSizwe, from entering government. In an explosive start to the talks, Trump sharply criticised what he described as the targeting of Afrikaner farmers. His comments were based on a video clip showing Malema speaking in Parliament about land reform. The EFF claims the clip was misused to support a misleading narrative. On Sunday, IOL News reported that just days after Trump called on Ramaphosa to arrest Malema for singing the controversial 'Kill the Boer' chant, Malema once again led the song on Sunday and vowed to continue doing so. 'I'm not going to be silenced by the threat of violence. I'm not going to be silenced by the threat of death,' he said. Malema made the remarks on Sunday at the Mminara Sports Ground in Kwakwatsi, Free State, ahead of local by-elections this week. 'When you say 'don't tell him,' Ramaphosa should have said, 'In South Africa, we don't tell people like that.' There are codes in South Africa, and the codes have said there is nothing wrong with this song,' he said. Malema said he neither owns nor composed the song, which has been widely criticised for inciting violence. 'This is not my song. I did not compose this song. I found this song; the struggle heroes composed this song. All I'm doing is defending the legacy of our struggle…,' he said. He described the chant as a part of South Africa's liberation heritage. 'This is the song that was sung by Peter Mokaba in the presence of Chris Hani, in the presence of Winnie Mandela,' Malema said. 'And therefore, I will never stop singing a song that Winnie Mandela sang before she died. That would be a betrayal of the struggle of our people.' [email protected] IOL Politics
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
24 hours in pictures, 27 May 2025
24 hours in pictures, 27 May 2025 Through the lens: The Citizen's Picture Editors select the best news photographs from South Africa and around the world. Jordy Smith of South Africa surfs in Heat 2 of the Semifinals at the Western Australia Margaret River Pro on May 27, 2025 at Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia. Smith went on to win the competition. (Photo by Beatriz Ryder/World Surf League) Supporters of South Korea's Democratic Party's presidential election candidate Lee Jae-myung, cheer during a campaign event in Suwon city, Gyeoggi-do, South Korea, May 26, 2025. South Korea will hold its presidential election on 03 June 2025. Picture: Matrix Images The remnants of a small dwelling where six family members lost their lives when their home caught fire in the Marikana informal settlement located in Ekurhuleni on May 27, 2025 in Kwa-Thema, South Africa. It is reported that six family members died in the tragedy. The cause of the fire is still unknown. (Photo by Gallo Images/OJ Koloti) A young woman cools off amongst the water jets of a fountain during a hot spring day in Moscow, Russia, 26 May 2025. According to the Russian Hydrometeorological Centre, air temperatures are expected to climb up to 30 degrees Celsius in some areas of Moscow. Picture: EPA-EFE/YURI KOCHETKOV Cyril Ramaphosa ( President of the republic of South Africa) delivers keynote address at the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) at Century City on May 27, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The symposium showcases infrastructure investment opportunities in both South Africa and the African continent, and also fosters regional cooperation and integration. (Photo by Gallo Images/ER Lombard) A handout photo made available by the press service of the 65th Separate Mechanised Brigade shows new recruits of the 65th Separate Mechanised Brigade attending their training on an obstacle course with psychological elements and a tank used on a shooting range in the Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, 26 May 2025, amid the ongoing Russian invasion. Russian troops entered Ukrainian territory on 24 February 2022, marking the beginning of a conflict that has led to widespread damage and a humanitarian situation. Picture: EPA-EFE/Press service of the 65th Mechanized Brigade A female Hippopotamus seen along with her two days old calf at Delhi Zoo on May 22, 2025 in New Delhi, India. The National Zoological Park in the capital has welcomed a newborn hippopotamus calf after a gap of four years. The female calf was born on Monday to a nine-year-old hippopotamus. Picture: Matrix Images Actors defending the fortress of Zons at the medieval spectacle 'Sturm auf Zons', in Germany . The event focuses on a simulated attack on Zons by Burgundians in April 1475, which is staged with numerous disguised actors, and which is said to have happened in a similar way during the Neuss War in 1474 – 1475. Picture: Matrix Images Egrets build nests as they prepare to breed in the forest in Suqian City, Jiangsu Province, China on May 25, 2025. Picture: Matrix Images This aerial view shows damages following the passage of a tornado in the city of Puerto Varas, Region de los Lagos, southern Chile, on May 26, 2025. An unusual tornado rated as category EF-1 on the Fujita scale hit on the eve the city of Puerto Varas, almost 1,000 km south of Santiago, leaving eight people injured and some 150 homes affected, authorities said. (Photo by Javier TORRES / AFP) Contestants in the men's downhill race chase the cheese down the hill during Gloucestershire's famous Cheese-Rolling contest on May 26, 2025 in Brockworth, England. Every year competitors and spectators from around the world gather for the Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling competition that sees participants fling themselves down a steep hill in pursuit of a rolling 7 pound (3 kilogram) wheel of Double Gloucester cheese. The first contestant to the bottom of the 590 foot (180 meter) Cooper's Hill wins the wheel of cheese. The ankle-breaking extreme sport has officially been recorded since 1826, but is thought to have roots in an ancient pagan tradition. (Photo by) This aerial view shows trucks towing shipping containers at the port of Umm Qasr in Iraq's southern city of Basra on May 26, 2025. (Photo by Hussein FALEH / AFP) PICTURES: Colourful Hillbrow parade entertains Joburg residents
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Ramaphosa heralds a new era of infrastructure development in South Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the keynote address at the Century City Conference Centre during the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa. Image: Supplied President Cyril Ramaphosa heralded a new era of infrastructure development in South Africa, describing it as the "flywheel" of economic growth and job creation during his address at the 2025 Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) in Cape Town on Monday. Ramaphosa outlined ambitious plans to leverage infrastructure to drive economic progress, reduce inequality, and position South Africa as a prime investment destination. "Infrastructure is fundamental to the development of our country," Ramaphosa said, saying it served as the backbone of economic growth and social progress. "Good infrastructure will boost trade and will reduce the cost of doing business. This is essential as we open up to the advent of the African Continental Free Trade Area. This will enable us to trade with ease with our sister countries on the continent, representing a market of 1.3 billion people." he said. He referred to the recently released Construction Book 2024/2025 by Infrastructure South Africa (ISA), which details 250 fully funded projects valued at over R238 billion. He said this marked a record for public investment in roads, energy, water, logistics, and social infrastructure, reversing a prolonged decline exacerbated by the Covis-19 pandemic. The symposium, held at Century City, showcased South Africa's commitment to transforming infrastructure development from plans to reality. Ramaphosa noted that public infrastructure spending is projected to exceed R1 trillion over the next three years, making it the fastest-growing budget item. However, he acknowledged the government's financial constraints, stressing the need for public-private partnerships (PPPs) to mobilise domestic and international capital. Reforms are underway to streamline PPP approvals for projects under R2 billion, reducing regulatory hurdles and enhancing investor confidence. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ramaphosa underscored ISA's role as a "centre of excellence," expediting project approvals and mobilising financing. Since 2020, ISA has grown the capital value of Strategic Integrated Projects from R340bn to over R1.3 trillion, with projects spanning energy, water, transport, and digital infrastructure. Notable completions include the Hazelmere Dam in KwaZulu-Natal and the 100 MW Redstone Concentrated Solar Power Plant in the Northern Cape, which powers over 100,000 households annually. The president also highlighted the Infrastructure Fund's impact, packaging 26 blended finance projects worth R102 billion, de-risking investments for pension funds and banks. Additionally, the Leaders Forum at SIDSSA fosters collaboration among African infrastructure ministers, aligning policies to support the African Continental Free Trade Area and regional integration. Ramaphosa called for infrastructure to be placed at the heart of South Africa's development agenda. "We are moving from great ideas to executable plans and implementation," he said, expressing optimism for SIDSSA 2025's outcomes in driving sustainable growth across the continent. Visit: BUSINESS REPORT
