President Cyril Ramaphosa has described 2024 as a year of change and progress, as the country managed to achieve several milestones.
He cited the celebration of 30 years of democracy, the holding of the elections and formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) amongst others.
Ramaphosa was delivering his New Year’s message to the nation on Tuesday afternoon.
“On the 29th of May 2024, we held our seventh democratic elections peacefully and freely.
As the people of South Africa voted for the representatives of their choice, they gave voice to their concerns, their aspirations, and their concerns.
“Our people, through their votes, called on political parties to put their differences aside and to work together to put South Africa first.
As elected public representatives and acting on the outcomes of the elections, that gave no single party an outright majority to govern South Africa on its own, we heeded the clear message from our people,” said Ramaphosa.
In addition, Ramaphosa said the results of the elections meant that political parties had to put aside their differences and prioritise the citizens.
“We established a Government of National Unity (GNU), bringing together parties from across the political spectrum.
This GNU, made up of ten political parties committed through the Statement of Intent it adopted to grow an inclusive economy and to create jobs.
Inflation has been falling, making essential goods more affordable for households,” explained Ramaphosa.
The president also hailed the GNU for increased investment in roads, rail, public housing, energy, water, sanitation, and infrastructure as well as improved business confidence to invest.
He also applauded the government’s Energy Action Plan, which has recorded nearly 300 days without load-shedding.
On efforts to fight crime in the country, Ramaphosa commended Operation Shanela and others, which he said managed to fight organised crime, illegal mining, extortion, and other priority crimes.
Moreover, Ramaphosa said the government’s primary focus must remain on the prevention of gender-based violence against the young girls and women of our country.
Another achievement highlighted by the president, is the signing into laws like the National Health Insurance Act and the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act.
“The implementation of these laws will provide greater access for all South Africans to decent health care and quality education,” remarked Ramaphosa.
On the international front, Ramaphosa reaffirmed government support for the struggle of the people of Palestine.
“As the conflict in the Middle East continues, as genocide is perpetrated against the people of Gaza and as Israeli hostages remain in captivity, we continue to call for the cessation of hostilities and the release of hostages,” emphasized Ramaphosa.
Despite being a year of triumphs and great progress, Ramaphosa acknowledged that 2024 was also marked by tragedies.
This follows the death of more than 20 children across the country from foodborne illnesses.
“The deaths of innocent young children in Soweto and other parts of the country who lost their lives earlier this year from eating contaminated foodstuffs pain us as a nation.
We reiterate our condolences to the families of the children who passed on.
We remember the many lives that are senselessly lost to violence every day,” said Ramaphosa.
He said the government is deeply saddened by the negligent and unnecessary recent deaths of young men at initiation schools in the Eastern Cape.
