President Cyril Ramaphosa has learned with profound sadness of the passing of one of South Africa’s brightest stars, actor and filmmaker Ms Connie Chiume.

Ms Chiume has passed away at the age of 72, leaving a legacy of performances on film and television screens in productions including Black Panther, Yizo Yizo 2, Zone 14 and Gomora.

President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the Ms Chiume, who was an inspiration to many in the performing arts.

President Ramaphosa said: “Her remarkable talents and achievements have brought South Africa into the hearts and homes of countless people, both locally and internationally.

“Through her work on screen, she has authentically portrayed the lived experiences of South Africans, capturing the essence of our nation’s stories.

“Beyond her cinematic contributions, Ms Chiume served as a distinguished ambassador for our continent, representing us with grace and dignity in various film roles.

“We were truly blessed to witness this extraordinary jewel of Africa as she effortlessly carried the South African flag in her numerous cinematic endeavours.

“May her legacy continue to inspire and uplift all of us.”

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

On August 8, commencing at 6:35 p.m., for approximately 20 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone talk with H.E. Mr. Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates of the Kingdom of Morocco. The overview is as follows.

At the outset, Minister Kamikawa stated that she was glad to have another opportunity to talk to Minister Bourita after their bilateral meeting in May. She also expressed her desire to further develop the cordial bilateral relationship in order to advance cooperation in many fields, based on the ” Memorandum of Cooperation for a Reinforced Partnership” signed in May.
The two Ministers agreed to work together to strengthen bilateral economic relations, and also exchanged views on cooperation through frameworks such as the Japan-Arab Economic Forum and TICAD.
The two Ministers concurred to continue close communication between Japan and Morocco.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Foreign Minister Ali Sabry will pay an official visit to Egypt from 07 – 09 August 2024 on the invitation of Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.

During the visit, he will have hold bilateral discussions with his counterpart at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Cairo and also meet with Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade of Egypt. Minister Sabry is also expected to have discussions at the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce and meet with several other dignitaries, with a view to strengthening the multifaceted relations between the two countries.

The bilateral visit is expected to further consolidate the longstanding ties between Sri Lanka and Egypt.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Sri Lanka.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Friday, 9 August 2024, officiate the National Women’s Day Commemoration hosted by the Khâi-Ma Municipality at Pofadder in Namakwa District of the Northern Cape.

The President will address the national commemoration of Women’s Day under the theme “Celebrating 30 Years of Freedom Towards Women’s Development” at the Denis Nel Stadium in Pofadder.

The national event marks 68 years to the day since 20 000 women of diverse backgrounds from across South Africa marched to the Union Buildings to protest against the extension of Pass Laws to women.

During 30 years of democracy, South Africa has made significant strides in advancing gender equality in all domains of society, including economic empowerment of women.

The Women’s Charter advances women’s economic programmes through targeted reforms that drive equality. 

Women’s Day 2024 is the first national day led by the Government of National Unity and takes place in a rural community as part of including all South Africans in national events and placing a focus on the achievements and needs of women in all corners of the country.

President Ramaphosa will ahead of leading the commemoration at the Denis Nel Stadium tour a services-on-wheels exhibition of government services that will be provided to citizens attending the national day, as well as a trade expo featuring, small medium and micro enterprises led by women entrepreneurs in the Northern Cape Province. 

Details of the National Women’s Day Commemoration are:
Date: Friday, 09 August 2024
Time: 10:00
Venue: Dennis Nel Stadium,Poffader, Northern Cape

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