Ramaphosa hails GNU progress in New Year message

As South Africa welcomed the New Year, President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted the gains and progress made by the government of national unity (GNU).

Ramaphosa made the remarks in his New Year’s message on Tuesday.

The president said the GNU has committed itself to reducing poverty and lowering the cost of living.

“The parties are all working to strengthen the capacity of the state to deliver services to our people.

“The outcomes of the May 2024 elections and establishment of the Government of National Unity have enabled South Africa to enter a new era that holds great promise.”

Energy crisis

Ramaphosa also highlighted South Africa’s emergence from a “debilitating energy crisis that caused immense hardship for households and businesses”.

This comes as Eskom on Tuesday synchronised Unit 2 of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station in Cape Town to the national power grid. Combined with Unit 1, it is expected to contribute 5% of South Africa’s total electricity to reduce load shedding.

“We continue the work to get more power onto the grid, to drive massive new investment in electricity generation, and to establish a competitive electricity market,” Ramaphosa said.

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Israel’s war in Gaza

Ramaphosa also touched on Israel’s war in Gaza and intense political unrest in neighbouring Mozambique.

“Just as we attained our freedom through the support and solidarity of many people and nations around the world, we continue to stand in solidarity with the victims of injustice in other parts of the world. We have stood firm in our support for the struggle of the people of Palestine,” Ramaphosa said.

“As the conflict in the Middle East continues, as genocide is perpetrated against the people of Gaza and as Israeli hostages remain in captivity, we continue to call for the cessation of hostilities and the release of hostages.”

While Ramaphosa made no mention of the Mozambique political crisis’ ongoing threat to South Africa’s economy, a political analyst told The Citizen that the unrest in Mozambique could impact us severely.

Jobs

While Ramaphosa hailed 2024 as a year of “triumphs and great progress”, he said it was also marked by tragedy.

“The deaths of innocent young children in Soweto and other parts of the country who lost their lives earlier this year from eating contaminated foodstuffs pain us as a nation.”  

Ramaphosa said government also needed to work with urgency and purpose to grow an inclusive economy and create jobs.

“We need to support our municipalities to ensure that all our people receive quality services without exception and disruption.

“In particular, we need to continue to work together to address the severe water supply challenges that have affected various parts of the country.

“We will be embarking on a National Dialogue, bringing all South Africans together to develop a common vision for the country,” Ramaphosa said.

G20

Ramaphosa also made mention of South Africa hosting the first G20 Summit on African soil in 2025 saying through South Africa’s leadership of the G20 “we will work for solidarity, equality and sustainable development that will have an impact on many peoples around the world”.

“As we embark on a new year, I call on every South Africa to be part of the journey towards a better future for all,” Ramaphosa said.

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