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By Makhosandile Zulu

Journalist


President encouraged by feedback on his Sona

President Cyril Ramaphosa says he is encouraged by that people are saying 'send me'.


President Cyril Ramaphosa says he is encouraged by the response and the feedback he has received from parliamentarians and people from all walks of life on his maiden state of the nation address.

Ramaphosa is responding to his Sona debate in parliament today and says the views shared by ordinary South Africans on social and traditional media platforms have left him humbled.

“This morning during my early morning walk in Gugulethu through to Athlone, I was joined by many people from that area and a number of them had occasion to comment on the state of the nation address,” the president said.

He said many of the responses he has received reflect that many South Africans are infused with a sense of hope in the “new era they believe we are in”.

“And they see this as a new dawn heralding a new South Africa and a better South Africa for them,” Ramaphosa said.

He added that these citizens have been “galvanised by a sense of patriotism” that prioritises the interests of the country, shifting away from “narrow party political interests”.

“They are moved by the conviction that tomorrow will be better than today and are looking forward to this era transporting them to a better future and a better tomorrow,” he said.

The president said these responders have said they are ready to lend a hand to build a country that will benefit all its citizens.

“As I’ve met people on the walkway, they have said, president, send us, send me, send me, that has encouraged me,” he said.

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