The Inauguration of President-Elect Cyril Ramaphosa will take place at the Union Buildings, Pretoria, tomorrow following his re-election by Parliament on Friday, 14 June 2024.

The swearing-in of the President-Elect will be conducted by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo in the Union Buildings’ Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre.

The ceremony will be witnessed by South African and international guests, including South African royalty, Members of Parliament, representatives of political parties, leaders of organised labour, business and civil society organisations, religious leaders and South Africans who have excelled in various capacities and endeavours.

Attendees will include representatives of regional, continental and international organisations and bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN).

President-Elect Ramaphosa will also be honoured by the attendance of a number of Heads of State and Government and former Heads of State and Government from different regions of Africa as well as other world regions.

To date, 18 Heads of State and Government, three former Heads of State and Governmen,t and nine Heads of Delegation are expected to attend. Additional confirmations are being received.

Countries that will be represented at a high level at the Inauguration include the Kingdom of eSwatini and Kingdom of Lesotho; the Republics of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Angola and Tanzania; the Republic of Uganda; the People’s Republic of China; the Arab Republic of Egypt; the State of Palestine and the Republic of Cuba.

The theme for the occasion is “30 Years of Democracy, Partnership and Growth”.

The programme for the day will commence with a cultural programme for members of the public on the South Lawns of the Union Buildings at 09h00.

The cultural programme is a platform for local artists to showcase their talent and for us as a nation to share South Africa’s cultural diversity with our guests.

This production will feature a combination of music genres and other cultural and artistic performances that will have a cross-over appeal that reflects our achievements in the past 30 years of our democracy.

During the formal proceedings from 11h00, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will perform the ceremonial elements of the Inauguration as a demonstration of allegiance to the Republic and the Commander-In-Chief. The ceremonial elements will include:

a 21-gun salute,
A salute flight by the South African Air Force (SAAF),
Inspection of a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Battalion,
A Battalion march past, and
A massed fly past.

The newly sworn-in President of the Republic will deliver his Inaugural Address.

President-Elect Ramaphosa first became President of the Republic following the resignation of President Jacob Zuma in February 2018.

Following the 2019 National and Provincial Elections, President Ramaphosa was elected by the National Assembly as President of the Republic.

President Ramaphosa was re-elected by the National Assembly on 14 June 2024.

The Presidential Inauguration will be broadcast and streamed on a broad range of platforms nationally and internationally and The Presidency invites South Africans to follow this event.

Members of the public are advised to note that tomorrow, Wednesday, 19 June 2024, is a normal working day.

People travelling to the event and to Pretoria on other business are advised to visit www.gov.za and www.tshwane.gov.za for information on road closures in the Rietondale/Arcadia area, and to follow traffic updates on radio and television broadcasts. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group met at State House Nairobi on Tuesday.

MPs and Senators were taken through the changes made to the Finance Bill 2024 by Finance Committee Chairman Kimani Kuria.

Speaking at the meeting, President William Ruto said the changes to the Finance Bill have taken into account the views of the people and other stakeholders during public participation sessions.

The President commended Kenyans for their contributions through public participation.

“We are going to end up with a product in Parliament that came from the Executive and has been interrogated by the Legislature. Through public participation, the people of Kenya have had a say,” he said.

The Finance Bill has been amended to remove the proposed 16 per cent VAT on bread, transportation of sugar, financial services, foreign exchange transactions as well as the 2.5 per cent Motor Vehicle Tax.

Additionally, there will be no increase in mobile money transfer fees, and Excise Duty on vegetable oil has also been removed.

Levies on the Housing Fund and the proposed one on Social Health Insurance will not attract income tax, putting much more money in the pockets of employees.

The proposed Eco Levy will only be imposed on imported finished products that contribute to e-waste and thus harm the environment when they are no longer in use.

Consequently, locally manufactured products, including sanitary towels, diapers, phones, computers, tyres and motorcycles, and I’ll not attract the Eco Levy.

The President said the government is making efforts to curb importation of products that can be locally produced, thus protecting local manufacturing and securing jobs for the people.

“The stability you see in the foreign exchange regime is a result of our deliberate policies to reduce imports of things that are produced locally,” the President said.

He said the Eco Levy will be imposed on imported finished products, while those locally manufactured are exempted.

Consequently, locally manufactured products, including sanitary towels, diapers, phones, computers, tyres, and motorcycles, will not attract the Eco Levy.

The threshold for VAT registration has been increased from KSh5 million to KSh8 million, meaning that many small businesses will no longer need to register for VAT.

The electronic invoicing ETIMS, recently introduced by the Kenya Revenue Authority, has been rescinded from farmers and small businesses with a turnover of below KSh1 million.

The Finance Bill has also imposed excise duty on imported table eggs, onions and potatoes to protect local farmers.

In the Bill, excise duty on alcoholic beverages will now be taxed based on alcohol content and not volume.

Additionally, pension contributions exemption will increase from KSh20,000 per month to KSh30,000.

On his part, the President explained that more resources have been allocated to education because it is the greatest equaliser

“The money we are putting into education is not an expenditure; it is an investment because we are investing in the future of our children,” he said.

He said KSh18 billion has been provided for the employment of Junior Secondary teachers who are on internship.

He said funds have also been provided to hire 20,000 interns next month.

At the same time, President Ruto said the Executive and the Legislature will continue to work together in making the right decisions for the country.

President Ruto said tough decisions have yielded fruits, citing the drop in inflation from 9 per cent in 2022 to 5.1 per cent in May and strengthening of the shilling against the dollar.

He said the government is working on achieving a balanced budget in the next three years, pointing out that this will reduce borrowing and ensure that the country lives within its means.

President Ruto said the new university funding model has revolutionised the financial situation of public universities, noting that parents who can afford to pay for their children’s education have not applied for scholarships, freeing up more money for students from poor families.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said increasing tax on alcohol with high alcoholic content will boost the fight against alcoholism.

On the increased allocation of funds to the National Government Constituency Development Fund, he said it will enable MPs to initiate transformative development in their constituencies.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the Kenya Kwanza administration will not fall into the trap of being a populist government, but one that makes the right decisions for the good of the nation.

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, who is also the chairperson of the United Democratic Party (UDA), asked legislators to pass the Finance Bill as Kenyans await major development programmes that will transform their lives.

Molo MP Kimani Kuria, who is also the chairperson of the Finance Committee in the National Assembly, said the Finance Bill aims to generate an additional KSh302 billion in revenue, which is intended to bolster the projected total revenues for the year to KSh3.3 trillion.

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who is also the chairperson of the Budget and Appropriations Committee in the National Assembly, said the Bill is crafted to finance the country’s development agenda, citing education and agriculture as the biggest beneficiaries.

During the meeting, President Ruto asked the legislators to focus on the implementation of programmes that will transform the lives of the people.

“The people were so united in electing us; let us also be united in serving them,” he said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of President of the Republic of Kenya.

In the midst of displacement, trauma can linger like a shadow. For many refugees, especially women and girls, the journey to safety is marred by unimaginable hardships. Fleeing conflict and persecution, they are often confronted with the harrowing reality of sexual and gender-based violence (GBV) both within their communities and during their perilous journeys. Safe spaces, however, are offering a beacon of hope, providing crucial support and fostering a path towards healing and empowerment.

In Isingiro district, which hosts two refugee settlements of Nakivale and Oruchinga, lies a sanctuary of hope and healing: two safe spaces established by Coalition for Action on 1325 (COACT) in collaboration with UN Women under the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). Since their inception in 2023, the safe spaces have served as more than just physical structures; they are symbols of resilience and solidarity. Offering a myriad of services from psychosocial support to economic empowerment programs, these spaces have become lifelines for those in need.

At the heart of the safe spaces are individuals like Mbabazi Charity, a counsellor at the Oruchinga safe space, whose unwavering dedication has transformed lives. “When we started operations, the number of GBV cases was alarmingly high,” she recalls. “But through counselling and community awareness, we’ve witnessed a remarkable shift. Women and girls are finding their voices, reclaiming their agency, and paving the way for change.”

Among those who have found refuge within these walls is Asha Uwimana (not real name), a survivor of the Rwanda genocide whose journey to healing has been grueling. “The trauma of losing my family still haunts me,” she shares, her voice quivering with emotion. “But through the support and counselling I’ve received at the safe space; I’ve begun to rebuild my life.”

For Asha, like many others, the safe space is more than just a place of healing; it’s a launchpad for a brighter future and offered more than just therapy. A multipurpose cash transfer of USD 20 from the project allowed her to invest in a skill she learned from her father – handicraft making. With training in financial literacy and business planning offered by the UN Women supported project, Asha transformed her talent into a thriving bag-making business and is now saving USD 8 per week with her village savings and loans group.

“With each bag I make, I reclaim a piece of myself,” she says, her eyes gleaming with determination. “And with each sale, I inch closer to a future of stability and security for my family.”

Asha’ story is not unique. Januaria, another program beneficiary, battled not only the trauma of displacement but also health issues. The safe space provided not just a listening ear, but also the resources to address her needs. A cash grant coupled with guidance on business management empowered her to launch a knitting business. Now Januaria not only supports her family but also uses her skills to empower others, teaching knitting to child mothers and school dropouts. In 2023 Januaria equipped 36 teenage mothers and school dropouts in her community with knitting and handcraft making skills, enabling them to look beyond their challenges and engage into productive lives.

But perhaps the most profound impact of the safe spaces lies in the ripple effect it has on communities. Through community awareness sessions and economic empowerment initiatives, the safe spaces are not only breaking the cycle of violence but also fostering a culture of resilience and solidarity. In Juru Subbase camp in Nakivale Settlement, New Hope Village Savings and Loan Association has emerged as a lifeline for its members, offering not only financial stability but also a pathway to brighter futures.

“When we first came together as a group, we lacked the financial literacy and management skills needed to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship,” recalls Francoise, a proud member of the association. “But through the support and guidance offered at the Juru safe space, we began to chart a new course—a course filled with promise and opportunity.”

In 2023, the group received a much-needed cash grant of USD 54, a lifeline that would propel them towards newfound prosperity. With the financial literacy and management skills they had gained from the program, they purchased raw materials for making baskets—a venture that would soon yield remarkable dividends. With earnings totaling USD 802, the association members found themselves not only financially secure but also poised for a brighter future. Each member received a share of the profits, USD 32, a windfall that would change their lives in profound ways.

For Francoise, the impact of this windfall was immediate and profound. “I used the money to purchase solar lighting equipment,” she shares, her voice brimming with excitement. “Now, my children can study at night, uninterrupted by the darkness that once enveloped our home. This, I believe, will boost their academic performance and pave the way for a brighter future.”

Safe spaces are not merely physical structures; they are cornerstones of hope. By providing a safe haven for healing, fostering economic empowerment, and promoting a culture of respect for women’s rights, these spaces are empowering refugee women to not just survive, but to thrive. Their stories are a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative potential of investing in the well-being of women and girls.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

On 17 June 2024, Chargé d’Affaires Wang Sheng met with Hon. Rodney Sikumba, Minister of Tourism of Zambia. The two sides exchanged views on further strengthening China-Zambia cultural and tourism cooperation.

Mr. Wang said that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Zambia, and it is also the Year of Culture and Tourism. This May, Hon. Minister Sikumba led a delegation to China to attend the opening ceremony of the Year of Culture and Tourism, which effectively promoted the cultural exchanges and tourism cooperation between the two countries. The two sides should work together to carry out more colorful cultural and tourism programs and continue to strengthen China-Zambia friendship and people-to-people bonds.

Minister Sikumba thanked the Chinese side for its hospitality during his visit to China and its strong support for cultural and tourism cooperation between the two countries. Minister Sikumba said that Zambia has rich tourism resources and a visa-free policy for Chinese tourists. Zambia will continue to improve its tourism infrastructure to attract more Chinese tourists.

Chinese actor Huang Lei and his team, who is in Zambia for events of the Year of Culture and Tourism, participated in the meeting.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Zambia.