President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday reiterated the Government of National Unity’s unwavering determination to overcome ideological differences and tackle South Africa’s challenges head-on.
PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday reiterated the Government of National Unity’s unwavering determination to overcome ideological differences and tackle South Africa’s challenges head-on.
Delivering his reply to the debate on his Opening of Parliament address, Ramaphosa stated: “We are now a Government of National Unity, formed in the cause of rebuilding our nation. We are committed to putting our differences aside and working together for the common good. I’m really pleased that the members of the [GNU] demonstrated a unity of purpose and the commitment they have to advancing the interests of all South Africans during the debate and in what they will be doing as leaders of the [GNU].”
The president emphasised that behind the GNU stands a nation of 62 million people who yearn for success. Despite facing opposition, he expressed confidence in the GNU’s ability to prevail.
“As Minister [Pieter] Groenewald has said, we have before us an opportunity to restore and build. So let us use this opportunity. In the challenging and difficult times, we live; this unity will be our comfort, the unity that we are forging our courage, and it will be our greatest strength.
“It is time to get South Africa working again,” the president asserted.
A NEW ERA OF HOPE
Ramaphosa acknowledged that the May 29 vote has reshaped the political landscape of South Africa. He emphasised that the debate confirms a new era in South African politics – one characterised by hope and optimism for the nation’s future.
“Much of what has been said during this debate has confirmed that we have entered a new era in South African politics. It is an era of hope. It is an era of optimism for the people of our country and for its future. We must demonstrate in word and in deed that this is an era of a government of national unity and not a fleeting convenience.
“We have had, and will continue to have, points of divergence, as the spirited nature of the debate has demonstrated. At the same time, we all understand what is expected of us by those who put us here.”
He underscored the collective responsibility of those in leadership positions: “They expect us to chart this country towards the ultimate goal of a better life for all. Talking to each other and working together and, in the end, pulling in the same direction. That direction is towards the implementation of the Medium-Term Development Plan 2024-2029 … the programme that will guide the seventh administration.”
FORGING AHEAD
Ramaphosa emphasised that despite the myriad challenges and obstacles faced by South Africa, the country remains far from a “hopeless case”.
Acknowledging the spirited debate, Ramaphosa stated, “We are very much alive to the challenges we still face as a country. And yet we must remind ourselves that South Africa is not in the hopeless situation that some in the opposition benches want us to believe and have sought to loudly assert with sound and fury during this debate.
Ramaphosa pointed out that South Africa has made significant progress over the past three decades. “Let us never lose sight of that. Certainly, there have been setbacks and shortcomings. But we have done much to recover from these and are now committed to move forward with greater speed and impact,” he said.
SHARED PROSPERITY
Ramaphosa emphasised the GNU’s commitment to accelerating efforts for development and shared prosperity.
“In this effort, as Minister [John] Steenhuisen says, we need the builders, not the breakers or destroyers. We need weavers and not vultures. Those who share this vision of a better South Africa will find the doors of the Government of National Unity always open to co-operation and collaboration.”
He called upon all leaders within the GNU and Parliament to rise to the challenge: “It is expected of us all who have been entrusted with positions of leadership within the Government of National Unity and in this Parliament that we rise to the challenge to be builders and not breakers. We must be at the forefront of building a capable, ethical developmental state, of growing an inclusive economy, and reducing poverty.”
Source: SAnews.gov.za
