By Simon Nare
President Cyril Ramaphosa has committed the country to prioritising Africa’s development when it assumes the G20 Presidency.
South Africa is the only African country represented in the powerful bloc. It takes over the presidency from Brazil for one year on Sunday.
Speaking in the National Council of Provinces, Ramaphosa said this would be a perfect opportunity to focus on the theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”, and for South Africa to unite the country and the world.
He called on the G20 members to stand in solidarity with people facing hardships, poverty and conflict.
“We will work to tackle inequality through fair and consistent trade rules, improved debt relief mechanisms and increased funding for climate actions and development.
“We aim to strengthen the commitment of all countries to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030,” the president said.
He said this was also an opportunity to present the great opportunities and experiences that South Africa had to offer to the world.
On the Government of National Unity, Ramaphosa said it had been working with other formations in society towards convening a National Dialogue.
“The National Dialogue will seek to forge a new social compact on the action required by all members of society to achieve the vision of the National Development Plan,” he explained.
The president also spoke about education, saying that the country needed to focus on achieving universal access for all children through early childhood development facilities.
“This is essential to prepare them for school and set them up to be successful in life. In basic education, we have prioritised improvements in reading and mathematics,” he said.
The president also spoke tough on crime, saying the government needed to put more boots on the ground through the recruitment of police personnel.
The South African Police Service would implement a more data-driven approach to target violent crime hotspots and direct resources accordingly, he told NCOP delegates.
“The SAPS, through more effective policing, will continue to work with communities through community policing forums to promote the role of citizens in reducing crime. “One of the most pervasive and vicious forms of crime in South Africa is the violence perpetrated by men against women and children,” he said
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