South Africa: Ramaphosa acknowledges South Africa's challenges
Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday acknowledged the "difficulties" of 2019 but said South Africa is drawing closer to a better life for all its people.
"As the 25th year of our democracy draws to a close, we look back on a year that has been filled with both highs and lows, a year in which we measured great progress, but also encountered several setbacks," Ramaphosa said in New Year's statement received by PANA.
He noted that millions of voters participated in the peaceful general elections in May which served notice that South Africa has a robust and vibrant democracy.
"We recommitted ourselves to building a new society founded on the will of the people, in which all South Africans – black and white – truly belong. And yet, for many South Africans, the hardships endure," he said.
Ramaphosa said his government is determined to end the crimes perpetrated by "men who have no respect for the lives, the rights or the dignity of women and children".
"An outpouring of grief and anger has incited the nation to action, to undertake an emergency response plan that will turn the tide on this national shame," he said in reference to the scourge of gender based violence.
Addressing the graft scandals which wracked Jacob Zuma’s presidency, he said “we are rebuilding the public institutions that are so vital to our democracy, restoring our law enforcement agencies, and taking forward the fight against state capture and corruption”.
He noted that South Africa will chair the African Union in January and seek to work with other African countries to realise an African Free Trade Area.
"We know only too well the enormity of the challenges that confront us, but we are united in the knowledge that we have the means and the determination to overcome them. Just as the strongest steel is forged in fire, just as diamonds are forged deep inside the earth's crust under the most extreme pressure, let us turn adversity into opportunity. In doing so, let us each play our part: for upon the conduct of each depends the fate of all,” the President added.
–0– PANA CU/AR 31Dec2019
