In his State of the Nation Address (Sona) last night President Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africans are resilient and will not be bullied and ended his speech by saying fellow countrymen should work together on building the country and not to destroy it.

The president used the Sona to reaffirm to the nation the country’s determination to overcome its challenges.

“We are a resilient people. We will not be bullied. We will stand together as a united nation. We will speak with one voice in defence of our national interest, our sovereignty and our constitutional democracy,” the president said.

Delivering the first Sona in the seventh administration at the City Hall in Cape Town, the president emphasised the importance of unity and economic growth. This also includes the urgent need for a capable government to drive meaningful change.

The Sona evening commenced a ceremonial guard, the singing of the national anthem, a 21-gun salute, an aircraft exhibition, and a full military band.

The president was ushered into the National Assembly by 19-year-old praise poet Inako Mateza.

SA’s position in the world

Acknowledging the complex global environment in which South Africa finds itself, Ramaphosa spoke about the rise of nationalism, geopolitical tensions, rapid technological advancements, and the effects of climate change.

He stressed that the country will not be deterred by external pressures.

“By staying true to our values, by harnessing our unique strengths and endowments, and by forging a common purpose, we can turn these trying circumstances to our advantage and propel our country forward,” he said.

The president said South Africa stands for peace, justice, equality, and human rights. He emphasised that the nation remains committed to democracy, tolerance, and non-racialism, and will continue advocating for the rights of women, persons with disabilities, and the LGBTQI+ community.

Collective effort

Ramaphosa underscored the importance of collective effort in building a prosperous and unified South Africa and said that progress can only be achieved through collaboration rather than discord.

“We will work together to build the nation that we want. We will only be able to do it by working together and not by shouting together.

“We will only be able to do it by ensuring that we as leaders ensure that those who will come after us – our children and grandchildren – inherit a country that we have helped to build and not to destroy,” he said.

While acknowledging differences on various issues, President Ramaphosa emphasised that South Africans share a common goal – building a better country and improving people’s wellbeing.

He called for renewed determination, empathy, and national pride, drawing on the same spirit that brought the country its democracy.

“While we may differ on many issues, we agree on one thing: That we need to build a better South Africa and improve the wellbeing of our people. And so, as we enter a new era in the world and in our own country, let us speak of the empathy and compassion that we have for one another.

“We stand for our shared humanity, not for the survival of the fittest. So, this evening, let us speak of the nation we want,” he said.

President Ramaphosa’s address set the stage for renewed commitment to economic growth, public service excellence, and national unity.

Government that works for the people

The president said it is critical to grow the economy to create jobs, reduce poverty, and improve the lives of citizens.

He said public servants must be professional, ethical, and capable.

“Our most urgent task is to grow our economy so that we can create jobs, reduce poverty and improve the lives of all South Africans. To undertake this task, we need a government that works for the people.

“We need a state that is capable and competent, underpinned by a professional public service. South Africans want a state that treats all people with dignity, humility and respect.”

To achieve this, the role of the Public Service Commission is to be enhanced in key appointments, ensuring that directors-general, deputy directors-general, state-owned entities’ executives, and senior officials are chosen based on merit and integrity.

A graduate recruitment scheme will also be introduced to attract the best and the brightest into public service.

Honouring the Freedom Charter

This year’s SONA took place during the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Freedom Charter, a foundational document of South Africa’s democracy.

“The Freedom Charter is the cornerstone of our democratic Constitution. It sets out a vision of a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa. It sets out a vision of a country in which government is founded on the will of the people.

“Where the land is shared among those who work it, where the people share in the country’s wealth, and all are equal before the law. It is this vision that continues to guide us as we work to build the nation, we all want,” he said.

National Dialogue

The President also announced plans for a National Dialogue, in which South Africans will come together to shape a new path for the country, inspired by the spirit of the Congress of the People. He urged citizens to participate in defining South Africa’s vision for the next 30 years.

Also read: National Dialogue structures to be in place in early 2025

He called on South Africans to unite behind a shared vision for the country’s future, emphasising the power of cooperation in overcoming challenges and driving progress.

Ramaphosa said the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) presents an opportunity for the country to demonstrate what can be achieved through collective effort.

“All of these things that we speak of are possible. As South Africans, we know the power of cooperation, of what is possible when people of different backgrounds, races, cultures, languages, ethnic groups and religions come together behind a shared objective,” he said.

“The National Dialogue must be a place where everyone has a voice. It must be a place to find solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives. The National Dialogue must reaffirm that each and every one of us has a role to play in building the nation we want,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za