By Charles Molele
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to serve as Acting President until next Monday.
Ramaphosa is undertaking a three-nation visit to Southeast Asia, while Deputy President Paul Mashatile will be on leave during this period.
Some of Ramaphosa’s visits to Southeast Asia include working and State visits to Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia.
The visits are meant to advance South Africa’s bilateral relations with the respective countries, particularly in respect of trade and investment.
In Indonesia, Ramaphosa is expected to meet with his counterpart, President Prabowo Subianto.
The two leaders will hold a tête-à-tête, priming the subsequent official bilateral talks with respective ministerial delegations in support.
Ramaphosa will also deliver opening remarks at the bilateral talks to encapsulate relations with Indonesia and further strengthen cooperation in areas of trade, agriculture, tourism and defence.
“This engagement aims to diversify trade in the face of global dynamics,” according to Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson to the President.
On Thursday, Ramaphosa then proceeds to Hanoi on a state visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
This year, Vietnam is commemorating 80 years of independence, a milestone that holds deep historical significance.
“The visit will coincide with several significant developments in Vietnam’s political landscape, including a generational transition in leadership, the conclusion of key domestic planning and reform cycles, and the country’s increasing prominence in regional and global economic affairs,” said Magwenya.
“Vietnam’s expanding consumer market presents promising opportunities for South African exporters, particularly in the context of the country’s strategic efforts to diversify trade destinations.”
Ramaphosa’s tour to Southeast Asia will conclude in Kuala Lumpur on a working visit to Malaysia from 25-28 October, where the president will be a Guest of the Chair at the 47th ASEAN Summit and the East Asian Summit.
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