Responding to the debate on The Presidency Budget Vote in the National Assembly, Ramaphosa said government would not be distracted by political disputes and would remain focused on addressing the country’s most pressing challenges.
Ramaphosa said South Africans expect government to deliver leadership, accountability and results rather than simply identify problems.
Ramaphosa described The Presidency as a coordinating institution responsible for driving implementation, removing obstacles to progress and ensuring national priorities are translated into measurable outcomes.
Ramaphosa said rebuilding institutions weakened by state capture remains a central priority. Ramaphosa noted that corruption and mismanagement had undermined several state entities and damaged public trust in government.
According to Ramaphosa, The Presidency has played a key role in coordinating reforms aimed at restoring confidence in state institutions and strengthening cooperation between government, business, labour and civil society.
Ramaphosa pointed to progress in the energy sector, saying SA has effectively brought load shedding to an end through the implementation of the Energy Action Plan, Eskom’s recovery programme and increased investment in renewable energy.
Ramaphosa also highlighted improvements at Transnet, reporting increased rail volumes, stronger port performance and an improving financial position.
Ramaphosa said structural reforms implemented through Operation Vulindlela continue to remove barriers to growth in sectors including electricity, telecommunications, logistics, water and visa administration.
Addressing unemployment, Ramaphosa said the Presidential Employment Stimulus has created work and livelihood opportunities for more than 2.5 million unemployed South Africans. Ramaphosa added that nearly 200 000 young people benefited from the Basic Education Employment Initiative last year.
However, SA still faces one of the highest levels of unemployment in the world. The country’s official unemployment rate rose to 32.7% in the first quarter, losing over 300 000 jobs. The combined rate of unemployment and potential labour force rate sits at a staggering 43.7%. More worryingly, those aged 15-24 face the highest unemployment rate at 60.9%.
On corruption, Ramaphosa said recoveries linked to the State Capture Commission have exceeded $940 million, while the Special Investigating Unit recovered approximately $72 million in cash and assets during the last financial year.
Ramaphosa also reiterated government’s commitment to combating violent crime, gender-based violence and femicide, while strengthening local government and improving service delivery.
Ramaphosa urged South Africans to support the Independent Electoral Commission ahead of the upcoming local government elections, describing the institution as one of the country’s most trusted democratic bodies.
Ramaphosa said SA had overcome major challenges, including state capture, the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy crisis, adding that the country was now moving forward with greater confidence and momentum.
–ChannelAfrica–
