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Tag: CYRIL RAMAPHOSA

3.5 TRILLION AT RISK: The Public Investment Corporation’s governance collapse demands action, says Holomisa 
Politics

3.5 TRILLION AT RISK: The Public Investment Corporation’s governance collapse demands action, says Holomisa 

UDM President and Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Major-Gen (Rt) Bantu Holomisa writes an open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa and Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), Songezo Zibi. By Bantu Holomisa: General Bantu Holomisa of the UDM party Dear Mr President and Chairperson Zibi,   1. I had the privilege of attending the extended Cabinet Lekgotla at the end of September 2025, where you, Mr President, emphasised that the fight against corruption and the looting of state resources would be a top priority for the Government of National Unity. You further noted that the current climate of corruption and mismanagement has severely undermined investor confidence and that this situation must be decisiv...
South Africa at the forefront: Charting a course for global progress at UNGA 2025
International

South Africa at the forefront: Charting a course for global progress at UNGA 2025

International News: From 17-26 September 2025, the world will converge in New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meetings. South Africa arrives not merely as a participant, but as an architect of global discourse. In its G20 Presidency year, South Africa is well positioned to solidify its international standing, champion inclusive growth and emphasise its commitment to a more equitable and sustainable future. This is South Africa’s UNGA 2025 mission: a strategic deployment of diplomatic and economic aptitude, designed to attract foreign direct investment and build enduring global partnerships. Led by President Cyril Ramaphosa and comprising key cabinet ministers, the South African delegation will navigate global challenges with a clear vision...
NATIONAL DIALOGUE: Did you know that National Dialogue is for Presidency?
Opinion

NATIONAL DIALOGUE: Did you know that National Dialogue is for Presidency?

By Fumene G. Tsibani: President Cyril Ramaphosa, joined by Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Cabinet ministers, hosts the inaugural meeting of the National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. ( Image: X/GCIS (File) I am personally aware that the National Dialogue in South Africa is led by the Presidency, as mandated by Section 83(c) of the South African Constitution. This emphasizes the President's role in promoting national unity and cohesion through inclusive and people-driven dialogue. As I reflect on the significance of national dialogue in South Africa, it is essential to recognize the President's pivotal role in leading this process, as mandated by Section 83(c) of the South African Constitution. The President's leadership is crucial...
PUNISHING INCREASE: Will the Indian economy survive Trump’s high tariffs? 
International

PUNISHING INCREASE: Will the Indian economy survive Trump’s high tariffs? 

By Fawzia Moodley: Narendra Modi and Trump at the United Nations. (Image: Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead) Donald Trump has slapped tough tariffs on India, which is bracing for even more punishing trade levies from the world’s most powerful country. On August 6, the US imposed an additional 25% to the 25% tariffs already announced by Trump against India, to come into effect in 21 days.  Unless there is a breakthrough in negotiations, the resultant 50% tariffs will be among the highest imposed by the US on any country so far. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has enjoyed cordial relations with Trump until now, was understandably taken aback by the harsh measures, and India, while hoping for a thaw in Trump’s stance, is bracing itself for the impact of th...
JUSTICE, NOT HASTE: Why President Ramaphosa’s response upholds constitutional integrity
Opinion

JUSTICE, NOT HASTE: Why President Ramaphosa’s response upholds constitutional integrity

By Dr Fumene George Tsibani: President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa (Image: Facebook) A credible process was announced by the President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa. In the absence of prima facie evidence, it is imperative that we uphold the principles of justice and fairness, as enshrined in our Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The allegations and accusations levelled against Minister Senzo Edward Mchunu, whilst troubling, do not in and of themselves constitute sufficient grounds for his suspension, but rather warrant a placement on special leave, as announced by the President. In the interests of justice and fairness, it is essential that we adhere to the presumption of innocence, a fundamental tenet of our legal system...
INFORMING THE NATIONAL DIALOGUE: Land distribution, restitution, and socio-economic cohesion in post-apartheid South Africa
News

INFORMING THE NATIONAL DIALOGUE: Land distribution, restitution, and socio-economic cohesion in post-apartheid South Africa

By FG Tsibani: (From the University of Johannesburg, writing in his personal capacity) President Cyril Ramaphosa announced 15 August as the day of the first national convention as a build-up to the National Dialogue. (Image: GCIS) The National Dialogue, announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 10 June 2025, represents a critical moment in South Africa's Nation Building Plan (Tsibani, 2020), aligned with Section 83(c) of the RSA Constitution. This all-inclusive, people-led, and society-wide process seeks to reconstruct, redevelop, review, reconsider, rethink, and reimagine the country's future, forging a new national ethos and common value system. Through the National Dialogue, utilising Integrated Rural and Urban Infrastructure Investment Programmes (IR&am...
OF SONGS, STATESMANSHIP, AND STRATEGIC LAPSES: A disturbing reflection on the Oval Office encounter
Opinion

OF SONGS, STATESMANSHIP, AND STRATEGIC LAPSES: A disturbing reflection on the Oval Office encounter

By Zamikhaya Maseti: U.S. President, Donald Trump (Image: Getty) I could not sleep well last night. A peculiar restlessness gripped my spirit after watching the televised meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Donald J. Trump in the hallowed confines of the Oval Office in Washington, D.C. The initial Diplomatic Choreography unfolded with the kind of stiffness and performative politeness that characterises most bilateral meetings. But just when the South African delegation was easing into the rhythm of State Diplomacy, the unexpected happened: the ghost of a liberation song "Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer" was abruptly summoned into the room by President Trump, weaponised with precision and intent. This was no accidental provocation. It was a calculated amb...
The elephant and lion meet in the white jungle house
Opinion

The elephant and lion meet in the white jungle house

FG Tsibani and T Ngcetane-Vika: President Cyril Ramaphosa and his delegation meeting Donald Trump at the Oval Office (Image: The Presidency) The article ultimately envisions a transformative shift in global geopolitics and economic models, where the traditional reliance on propaganda and aggression is supplanted by a new paradigm of all-inclusive, productive engagement. This visionary approach seeks to foster a global environment where nations and stakeholders engage in collaborative, mutually beneficial relationships, prioritising cooperation, empathy, and understanding. By doing so, the article aims to promote a more harmonious, prosperous, and peaceful world, where the interests of all nations and peoples are respected and valued. Through the jungle analogy, the article...
A SWING FOR PEACE: The Ramaphosa-Trump talks are in the interest of both countries and the world
Politics

A SWING FOR PEACE: The Ramaphosa-Trump talks are in the interest of both countries and the world

By Major-General (Ret) Bantu H. Holomisa: Maj-Genl. (Ret) Bantu Holomisa (Image: UDM website) As President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares for an important diplomatic engagement with the leadership of the United States, we take this opportunity to reflect on the recent tensions that have emerged between our two nations. These tensions have largely been attributed to unsubstantiated allegations of genocide and land being taken without compensation, among others, against certain communities within South Africa. I remember it as though it were just yesterday when I accompanied President Mandela and President Thabo Mbeki to the United States in October 1993, where President Mandela made a powerful appeal to the international community during his address to the United Nations General ...
BIG DEBATE: Will Cyril Ramaphosa climb Trump’s hill at the White House?
Politics

BIG DEBATE: Will Cyril Ramaphosa climb Trump’s hill at the White House?

By Thobile Jiwulane: The White House in Washington, where Ramaphosa and Trump will meet (Image: Sandz) The upcoming discussions between South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump are the most anticipated in their relationship’s history. Ramaphosa expects nothing short of tangible results to entice Trump to change his mind and come to South Africa for the G20 summit later this year. The South African President would like to see Trump realise the foolishness of insisting on the non-existent abuse of privileged whites, one of the reasons relations between the two countries have gone sour. Indeed, the conflict between South Africa and the US is based on flimsy reasons that only Trump can explain why he has to punish a human rights...