As the nation welcomes the New Year, President Cyril Ramaphosa says government is encouraged by signs of progress that are laying the groundwork for even better outcomes in the year ahead.
“Yes, much more still needs to be done. We therefore enter the New Year with renewed hope, greater purpose and even greater confidence in the potential of our great country and its people,” the President said on Wednesday in a message to the nation.
While acknowledging the persisting challenges facing the country, the President said government was continuing to take a variety of actions to address unemployment, poverty, inequality, gender-based violence and femicide as well as service delivery and crime.
“Our success in addressing these challenges includes working together in partnership between the government, business, labour, civil society, and every citizen committed to the future of our country.
“Together, we are changing our country for the better. Our economy is recovering. We are working on creating more jobs, especially for young people.
“Inflation has eased. The cost of living is coming down. The rand has strengthened. South Africa’s sovereign credit rating has been upgraded for the first time in nearly two decades. This means government can mobilise funding for infrastructure investment and social development at a lower rate,” the President said.
According to President Ramaphosa, the structural transformation programme that South Africa embarked on five years ago is showing positive progress.
Eskom’s performance, which in the recent past caused hardship to households, communities and businesses, has improved steadily.
“As a result, our country has gone without load shedding for many months. More goods are being transported on our rail network and handled through our ports.
“We have restored more commuter rail corridors, making it possible for more people to travel safely and affordably. Infrastructure is one of our key priorities. We have for the first time budgeted more than R1 trillion for infrastructure investment over the next three years. This has catalysed the revitalisation of our country’s roads, port, rail, energy and water systems,” he said.
Through the Presidential Employment Stimulus, the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention and other public employment programs, government has enabled thousands of people to find opportunities to earn, learn and build livelihoods.
“We have worked with the private sector to establish the Youth Employment Service that has created more than 200 000 work experience opportunities for young unemployed South Africans and is set to increase this number in the coming period.
“The continuing improvement of the business environment is contributing to the improvement of our economy and job creation. Our state-owned enterprises are being strengthened and are set to play their key role in the economy.
“Rooting out corruption is our overriding priority. Through the excellent work of the Special Investigating Unit, the SIU, and the Asset Forfeiture Unit we have recovered billions of stolen money,” the President said.
Moreover, specialised task teams have made breakthroughs against illegal mining, kidnapping, economic infrastructure crimes and construction site extortion.
“We are determined to continue to take decisive steps to clean up our law enforcement agencies. The recommendations of the Madlanga Commission will be implemented to enhance the reforms that are needed to reposition our police service and other law enforcement agencies,” President Ramaphosa said.
This year government launched the National Dialogue and held the first National Convention, which brought together delegates from across society to define the agenda for an inclusive, nationwide conversation about the next chapter in the country’s democracy.
“The National Dialogue continues our country’s proud tradition of holding inclusive conversations to resolve challenges, to build consensus and to chart a course for the future.
“We are traversing a path we have walked before and will be guided in the National Dialogue process by the Eminent Persons Group who will be the guarantors of the Dialogue’s inclusivity and integrity. The Steering Committee comprised of community-based representatives will steer the national consultations next year,” the President said.
With the successful hosting of the first Group Twenty (G20) Summit ever held on African soil, South Africa’s standing in the global community was enhanced.
“The Leaders’ Declaration adopted by the Summit articulated global commitments on inclusive economic growth, debt sustainability, climate action, food security, reform of global financial institutions, and a number of other key issues.
“We can stand proud that the legacy of our G20 Presidency is that we ensured that the voice of our continent Africa and the Global South is recognised, reflected and respected,” he said.
He hailed South Africa’s ability of working together to overcome even the most difficult obstacles.
“Our spirits have been lifted by the excellent performance of our artists, our sports people, our musicians and our writers. We salute all who continue to proudly fly our national flag high across the world in international forums in sports, arts and culture, academia, commerce, science, medicine, the judiciary, politics, labour, trade, investment and many other endeavours,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa expressed gratitude for the contribution that every South African has made in all of the people’s lives endeavours over the year.
“We thank you. Despite the challenges we face our country is getting stronger, our economy is improving. As we prepare to welcome a new year let us remain united to building the South Africa of our dreams.
“I call upon the men of South Africa to respect and honour the young girls and the women of South Africa and desist from gender-based violence and fermicide. Wherever you may be across our beautiful land, I wish you a happy and blessed new year.
“May God bless South Africa and protect its people,” the President said. -SAnews.gov.za
