As unemployment and crime continue, Ramaphosa urges hope and unity as South Africa welcomes 2026
Ramaphosa calls on citizens to unite and build a stronger South Africa.
Image: GCIS
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to embrace the New Year with hope, reflection and resolve, while acknowledging the many challenges the country faced in 2025.
“A new year is upon us. As we welcome the New Year, we do so with reflection, resolve, and hope.”
In his address, the President recognised the economic pressures, high unemployment, persistent poverty and inequality, and the continued threat of crime, particularly gang violence and gender-based violence.
“It is a matter of concern that many South Africans are unemployed and that poverty and inequality persist. The high cost of living has imposed huge burdens of South African households.”
He emphasised the government’s ongoing efforts to address these issues in partnership with business, labour, civil society and citizens.
“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.”
Ramaphosa highlighted progress in the economy, including job creation initiatives for young people, improved performance by state-owned enterprises, infrastructure investment and the easing of inflationary pressures.
“The structural transformation programme that we embarked on five years ago is showing positive progress.”
He also pointed to advances in Eskom’s performance, transport infrastructure, and public employment programmes such as the Youth Employment Service, which has created over 200,000 work experience opportunities.
“Through the Presidential Employment Stimulus, the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention and other public employment programs, we have enabled thousands of people to find opportunities to earn, learn and build livelihoods.”
The President underscored the government’s anti-corruption efforts and reforms within law enforcement, including progress in recovering stolen funds and tackling illegal mining and economic crimes.
“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.”
He urged South Africans to work together, acknowledging the contributions of citizens across all sectors, and called for respect for women and girls as part of tackling gender-based violence.
“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 femicide.”
“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.”
IOL News