President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined South Africa’s preparedness for the upcoming elections and reflected on the achievements of his administration over the past five years in a pivotal address to the nation. The President’s speech comes as the country gears up for its seventh democratic election.
Starting tomorrow at 9 AM, special votes will be cast by registered South Africans across the country and abroad. The main voting day is set for Wednesday, 29 May, where millions are expected to participate. Ramaphosa highlighted the significance of this democratic exercise, affirming that it reinforces the principle from the Freedom Charter that government authority must be based on the people’s will.
The President lauded the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for its meticulous preparations, from voter registration to overseas voting arrangements. He expressed gratitude to the IEC commissioners, staff, and election workers for their dedication.
Ramaphosa assured that the elections would be conducted peacefully and fairly, crediting the presence of party agents and independent observers for maintaining the integrity of the process. He also praised law enforcement agencies for their readiness to ensure security and prevent disruptions.
Reflecting on his administration’s tenure, Ramaphosa noted significant progress made since 2019, a period marked by recovery from corruption and state capture. He emphasized the steps taken to reform the economy, improve the criminal justice system, and combat corruption, including the establishment of the NPA’s Investigating Directorate against Corruption as a permanent entity.
The President recounted the nation’s resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in over 100,000 deaths and severe economic disruption. Despite these challenges, the government’s swift response, including a substantial social and economic support package, mitigated the impact. Over 39 million vaccine doses were administered, and substantial wage support and relief grants were provided.
Ramaphosa also touched on other crises, such as the 2021 insurrection attempt and the 2022 catastrophic floods, commending the collective effort in overcoming these challenges. He highlighted the country’s economic recovery, mentioning the significant reduction in load shedding and investment in new electricity generation capacity.
Progress in infrastructure development, job creation, and support for black industrialists were also noted. The President emphasized efforts to tackle youth unemployment, gender-based violence, and crime, showcasing various initiatives and legislative reforms.
Acknowledging the recent achievements in education and financial support for students, Ramaphosa praised the collective efforts that led to the highest matric pass rate ever.
As the sixth Parliament concluded its work, Ramaphosa thanked all members for their dedication in passing transformative laws, from gender-based violence reforms to the introduction of the National Health Insurance.
In closing, President Ramaphosa urged South Africans to participate in the upcoming elections, emphasizing unity and the collective commitment to democracy. He called for continued progress and resilience as the nation looks forward to the future.
“May God bless South Africa and protect its people,” Ramaphosa concluded, invoking blessings in multiple languages as a symbol of the nation’s unity.
