South African Politics: President Ramaphosa hails a 'new dawn' in the country

World
Europe

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has addressed the national parliament, where he responded to various issues raised by legislators during debate on the State of the Nation Address. Ramaphosa said he was encouraged by ordinary citizens who were enthused about the new era which had now dawned in South Africa. Our correspondent René Del Carme has more from Cape Town.

During his State of The Nation Address on Friday, President Ramaphosa described himself as a Servant of the People. He also quoted the lyrics of a well-known Zulu Song by the late Hugh Masekela, called Thuma Mina, which means 'Send Me'. He said South Africans of all walks of life had responded positively to his call.

CYRIL RAMAPHOSA PRESIDENT OF SOUTH AFRICA "As I've met people on the walkway, they have said, President Send Us, Send Me, Send Me. That has encouraged me."

President Ramaphosa told Members of Parliament that he would also be calling on them to do their bit to improve the lives of all South Africans. He reminded them that the House they were sitting in was built BY the people of South Africa, FOR the people.

CYRIL RAMAPHOSA PRESIDENT OF SOUTH AFRICA "What emerged clearly from the debate yesterday is that all the Members of Parliament are committed to building a nation where progress is measured not in gross domestic product or global competitiveness rankings, but by how the lives of the most vulnerable and marginalised are changed for the better."

President Ramaphosa said Government would implement a policy on the expropriation of land without compensation, to accelerate the redistribution of land to Black people. But emphasised that they smash and grab interventions would not be allowed.

CYRIL RAMAPHOSA PRESIDENT OF SOUTH AFRICA "We will need to determine, collectively, how we can implement this measure in a way that promotes agricultural production, improves food security, advances rural development, reduce poverty and strengthen our economy."

He said his government was determined to deal with corruption and other economic crimes as well as other mistakes of the past.

CYRIL RAMAPHOSA PRESIDENT OF SOUTH AFRICA "Where we have failed our people as a government, where we have made mistakes, we will take steps to correct those mistakes. One of such was the Marikana Tragedy, which stands out as the darkest moment in the life of our young democracy."

RENE DEL CARME CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA "The newly-elected President said he would make an announcement on the composition of his new Cabinet at the appropriate time. And there was no justification for the character-assassination and insults he had heard about some who are still in the Cabinet appointed by former President Jacob Zuma. René Del Carme, CGTN, Cape Town, South Africa."