By Simon Nare
President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged that while strides have been made this year, much more needs to be done as the country still has a long way to go to achieve its ultimate goal of delivering to all people.
In his weekly Monday letter, the president said that South Africa experienced moments of great pride in 2024, ranging from sport to the political sphere with the formation of the Government of National Unity.
Ramaphosa said a strategic priority of the 7th administration was to strengthen the capacity of the state so that service delivery was improved.
“Our democracy has evolved and matured. We have a Government of National Unity comprised of 10 political parties from across the political spectrum. They have agreed on three strategic priorities for this administration,” the president wrote.
They encompass growing the economy, creating jobs, tackling unemployment and the high cost of living, and reducing poverty.
He said that while unemployment levels remained extremely high, more South Africans were finding work.
“Consumer inflation is at a four-year low, making essential goods like fuel and most food staples more affordable. Over the past 12 months, fuel prices have come down.
“Around 60% of the national budget is dedicated towards the ‘social wage’. These are the measures that reduce poverty and directly improve people’s lives. In addition to the provision of grants to vulnerable groups and unemployed people, this social wage includes subsidised housing, free basic services, no-fee schools and school nutrition.
“Government has been able to sustain these measures even as public finances are under severe pressure,” the president said.
Ramaphosa acknowledged that the pace of economic growth was still too slow and not enough jobs were being created.
However, progress made this year and during the course of the previous administration showed that “we can overcome the difficulties our country faces”.
“As government, business, labour and civil society, we are able to achieve a great deal when we work in unison to overcome our common challenges,” he said.
In the new year, South Africa would embark on a National Dialogue that would draw together everyone to craft a common vision for the country,” the president said.
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