National address or campaign speech?

By Johnathan Paoli

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address to the nation over the national broadcaster SABC has been met with mixed responses. Some have called it a last-minute effort to save the ANC, others have expressed outrage at the inappropriate use of state resources for blatant electioneering.

President Ramaphosa addressed the country on Sunday and called on the nation to vote. He then spent about 30 minutes outlining and reflecting on his administration’s challenges and achievements.

“We will once again assert the fundamental principle, articulated in the Freedom Charter, that no government can justly claim authority unless it is based on the will of all the people,” he said.

Ramaphosa praised the progress his government has made in rebuilding the economy, combating youth unemployment and addressing the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide.

“We have placed South Africa on a new trajectory of recovery and laid a strong foundation for future