President appeals for unity as US turns up the heat

By Simon Nare

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for unity among South Africans in the face of what he describes as a “harsh global wind” attack, appealing for a committed society living together in peace, harmony and equality.

In his reply to political parties debating his State of the Nation Address in the National Assembly, Ramaphosa said on Thursday that the country must not allow outsiders to define and divide the nation.

“At a time like this, we need to stand united as a nation, particularly now when we are facing harsh global wind. This is not the time for any of us to rush off to foreign lands to lay complaints about issues that we can solve ourselves in our country.

“We need South African solutions to South African problems. While there are many diverse and different voices in our society, we must strive to convey a common message.