Johnathan Paoli
THE 30 Year Review of Democracy Report was more than a chronicle of a changing nation, it is a vital reference of the past.
So said President Cyril Ramaphosa at the event launch on Wednesday held at the Sefako Makgatho presidential guesthouse in Tshwane.
Describing the report as a valuable instrument for transformation, progress and growth, he said the 30 year Review of Democracy Report is a reflection on the progress towards achieving the aspirations of the Freedom Charter and Constitution.
“Let us make this a living document that inspires, encourages, and guides us as we continue to build a democratic, prosperous and free South Africa,” the president said.
Ramaphosa commemorated the official adoption of the Constitution by the Constitutional Assembly on 8 May 1996, and said that the review report was undertaken as a tribute to all those who fought for freedom and worked to build and enrich the country’s democracy.
He said that the report’s scope was more than retrospective, and provided insights that would inform future government planning and assist in achieving the vision of the National Development Plan by 2030.
The president insisted that the country is a vastly different place compared to what it was 30 years ago and that successive democratic administrations have implemented progressive policies and programmes to uplift the material condition of all citizens, particularly the vulnerable.
He praised the achievements of the ruling party which included basic service delivery, accountable state institutions, transformative policies and the restoration of land.
However, he say that more needed to be done, ranging from slow economic growth and high unemployment, to inequality and underdevelopment.
“We know that for millions of South Africans, the promise of 1994 has not yet translated into the meaningful change that they seek and deserve,” he said.
Ramaphosa thanked the Department of Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation and all those involved for the hard work in compiling the report which was supported by solid research and credible, verifiable and accurate data.
“The story of 30 years of democracy contained in this report is an honest and critical appraisal. It presents both light and shade, both progress and challenges,” the president said.
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