President Ramaphosa makes more promises

Thousands of ANC members converged in Soweto to listen to President Cyril Ramaphosa deliver the keynote address at the party’s 2019 election manifesto review at Dobsonville Stadium at the weekend.

Ramaphosa outlined the strides the party has made and challenges that remain regarding the implementation of the 2019 manifesto.

The event was set to “reflect and give guidance on what the party should prioritise” as it prepares for the 2024 elections.

Ramaphosa began his speech by reflecting over the last 30 years of the ruling party and lauded the progress the party has made in bettering the lives of South Africans.

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“This government working together with our people introduced, developed a constitution, policies, laws, and programmes that seek to unite and build a better life for all South Africans in all diversities. Today millions of people have houses, electricity, water, the most basic needs our people never had in the past, they now have,” he said.

Speaking on the party’s priorities in rebuilding the economy and its commitment to creating jobs , he said despite the deterrence of the devastating covid-19 which led to the loss of 2million jobs, unrest in Gauteng and KZN, floods and Ukraine and Russia War- the party was tirelessly working to change the tide.

He said over the five year the ANC government together with labour, business and civil society have been seeking to build an economy that serves the people of South Africa.

“These are the realities that we are addressing to make sure that indeed the priorities and the 102 commitments that we set out in 2019, 86 of those are in process and some of have been concluded. During the consultation process, we will want to listen to those areas that need to be strengthened, where you believe we could have done better and already from a Coastu and youth league point of view, we can hear they want us to do better.”

He said the government was intent on driving more investments into the country, referring to the recent BRICS summit as a critical approach to reviving the country’s ailing economy.

Meanwhile he also re-emphasised government’s plans to end load shedding before the incoming elections.

The commitments in the 2019 manifesto revolved around seven issues, including advancing social transformation, fighting corruption and promoting integrity, as well as strengthening government and public institutions.

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Ramaphosa also spoke on social transformation and lauded government’s efforts to build comprehensive housing for the poor and ensure inclusive access to basic education to nearly 12 million children across the country.

In addition, the president addressed efforts on fighting crime citing that government was currently directing resources towards strengthening its ability to fight crime. He assured the country that it would see the real results of this commitment.

“Through operations such as Shanela we have been arresting thousands of people and we know Gauteng is going through a difficult period of Zama Zamas and illegal mining.

“We will work together with security forces to make sure we address this problem,” he assured the country.

He also said government would undertake a process to examine which among the foreign nationals are allowed to be in the country and those without relevant documentation.

The event will kick- start a comprehensive two month nationwide public tour across South Africa reflecting further on the 2019 election manifesto.