By Jonathan Paoli
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the strengthening of the Presidency has been a long-time goal of his since his election, but has again denied accusations of trying to autocratically centralise power.
He said centralisation was necessary in order to ensure a better performing government that could effectively overcome the country’s challenges.
“By so doing we have sought to be the centre of government that coordinates what happens, that brings together all the key roleplayers, coordinates them and gets them to focus on what needs to be done,” Ramaphosa said.
The Presidency’s hands-on approach enabled more successful cooperation across government departments.
He was speaking at the handing over of Long Service Awards to Presidency staff In Pretoria on Tuesday.
He emphasised the importance of dedication and public service, highlighting the critical role that the Presidency played in shaping and implementing national policies.
“We have got to work hard to fulfil the aspirations of South Africans. That is what should drive us to be true to the spirit of putting the people first,” he said.
Ramaphosa also spoke about the challenges facing the country and the need for a united effort to overcome them.
One of the weaknesses that pervaded many institutions was the lack of timeous implementation, he said.
And the Presidency’s culture of work must be infused with quick implementation.
“As public servants the issues of implementation is what sets this country back,” the president said.
He also emphasised the importance of the Presidency not stealing the glory of achievement, but being the driving force behind development.
“We are the engine of the government; the others are the wheels. Our task is to ensure that we do things properly and that we are at the top of our game,” Ramaphosa said.
He said the Presidency had also started turning the tide in light of the challenges inherited by his administration.
Laziness and corruption would be rooted out by a culture of excellence and professionalisation in his office.
He called for an ‘e-government’ driven by technology, saying that following his recent visit to China, technology was another frontier the Presidency needed to embrace.
“We need to utilise technology to take our country forward. We as the Presidency are going to lead that process,” Ramaphosa said.
He said the seventh administration would be seamlessly effective and the Statement of Intent of the Government of National Unity ensured a shared commitment that would facilitate transformation.
The president commended several ministers for hitting the road running and said their dedication was a welcome addition to the agenda of the government in fixing the country.
“Many of them have taken to their jobs with a lot of excitement, and that is appreciated. We support that and they are serving the people of South Africa,” he said.
In closing, Ramaphosa said there was a need to utilise the skills within the Presidency to address the challenges the country faces and take it to the next level.
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