PRETORIA, South African Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa should reflect on 2015 and address challenges that face the country in the year ahead.

In his address to the nation Wednesday, he said the country “needs to consolidate the gains made” throughout 2015 and make an effort to face challenges that face the country.

Ramaphosa said South Africa still faced challenges, including poverty, unemployment and inequality.

“In a difficult global economic environment, we’ve been working very hard to strengthen our economy through investment in infrastructure, providing support to key industrial sectors, and developing our agricultural value chain,” Ramaphosa added in his Christmas message.

He said the country had stabilised the supply of electricity to homes, schools, hospitals, factories and businesses.

Ramaphosa also reflected on major protests which gripped the country in 2015; including #FeesMustFall” protests against increased college fees and protests regarding a minimum wage in different industries.

The Deputy President traditionally delivers a Christmas message to the country every year and sets the tone for the coming year.

Source: SABC