Cape town: Lives have been improved but more still needs to be done - President Ramaphosa. Notwithstanding the persistent challenges and need for continued effort, government has profoundly transformed the lives of South Africans in the three decades since the advent of democracy. This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who delivered his reply to the Debate of the State of the Nation Address in Cape Town on Thursday.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa emphasized that the South African nation is resilient and solutions-oriented. He stated, "We are a nation of builders. We are a nation that does not run away from problems that our country faces. We confront them. We do not lament and complain. We find solutions." Highlighting the progress made in the last 30 years, he acknowledged the substantial improvements in the lives of South Africans.
Reflecting on the past eight years, the President noted the significant challenges South Africa has faced, including the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the economy, an attempted insurrection aimed at destabilizing democracy, and the aftermath of severe flooding in three provinces. Despite these hurdles, he assured that load shedding is now under control after more than a decade of disruptions.
President Ramaphosa elaborated on the efforts to stabilize the country by addressing state capture and restoring integrity and accountability within institutions. He pointed out that South Africa's economy is showing signs of growth, with steady expansion over the last four quarters and cooled inflation. He stressed the importance of effective macroeconomic management in tackling the unsustainable debt burden, which previously led to spending more on debt servicing than on essential sectors like health and education.
While acknowledging the progress, the President conceded that challenges remain. He highlighted the socioeconomic issues, with more than 10 million South Africans living below the food poverty line and over 11 million unemployed. He described these statistics as individuals and communities experiencing daily hardships and emphasized the need for continued efforts to improve their lives.
President Ramaphosa called on all sectors of society to collaborate with the government in fostering economic growth and creating a more equitable society. He urged, "We can stand on the sidelines and lament, as some have done in this debate. Or we can roll up our sleeves and work together to change this reality - to build a stronger economy that benefits all South Africans and to build a more equal society in which all South Africans have a place."
Concluding his address, President Ramaphosa encouraged a collective effort to "build like beavers" with urgency, unity, and determination, aiming to create a lasting and inclusive future for South Africa.
