PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA’S NEW YEAR MESSAGE
Dear South Africans,
As we approach a new year, we take time to reflect on 2024—a year destined for transformation and progress.
This marks three decades since we embraced freedom and democracy on April 27, 1994.
We took the time to celebrate the progress we have achieved in building a society grounded in the principles of freedom, equality, and human rights.
On May 29, 2024, we successfully held our seventh democratic elections, conducted in a peaceful and transparent manner.
As South Africans cast their ballots for their preferred representatives, they voiced their concerns, aspirations, and expectations.
Through their voting choices, our citizens called upon political parties to put aside their disputes and come together for our nation’s benefit.
Public officials received this unmistakable message from the elections, where no political party secured an outright majority for independent governance.
Consequently, we established a Government of National Unity, which integrates parties across the political spectrum.
This coalition, made up of ten political parties, is dedicated to creating an inclusive economy and job opportunities through its Statement of Intent.
The Government of National Unity aims to mitigate poverty and decrease living expenses.
All parties are working together to strengthen the state’s capacity to deliver services to our citizens.
The aftermath of the May 2024 elections and the formation of the Government of National Unity herald a new era filled with optimism for South Africa.
Our economy is witnessing a steady and gradual enhancement.
More South Africans are securing employment opportunities.
With a decline in inflation, essential goods are becoming more accessible for families.
In 2024, South Africa recorded its first primary budget surplus in fifteen years.
Investment in the public sector has also seen a consistent rise this year.
There has been increased investment in critical infrastructure areas such as roads, railways, public housing, energy, and sanitation.
Business confidence is ascending, encouraging further investments.
International investor sentiment towards South Africa is improving, with more companies interested in investing or expanding within our economy.
As these advancements unfold, additional jobs will be created, livelihoods supported, and local businesses will flourish.
The extensive economic reforms initiated during the sixth administration are proving beneficial.
We are emerging from a difficult energy crisis that caused widespread challenges for households and businesses.
The nation has now gone 280 days without load shedding.
Our commitment to increasing power generation capacity, attracting significant new investments in electricity, and creating a competitive electricity market remains strong.
The logistics sector, essential for the smooth operation of our economy, has experienced substantial improvements thanks to collaborative corrective measures with businesses, labor, and Transnet.
Delays in handling imports and exports at ports have decreased, and rail freight is running more efficiently.
This progress will further stimulate investments and boost efficiency.
With a collaborative approach between government and business, alongside ongoing partnerships with social stakeholders, including labor, we are making real strides in eliminating barriers to rapid growth and job creation.
This year, we have also intensified our efforts against crime.
Through focused operations like Operation Shanela and Operation Vala Umgodi, our law enforcement agencies are taking resolute action against organized crime, illegal mining, construction industry extortion, and other priority offenses.
As a society, we have concentrated our efforts on combating gender-based violence and femicide.
We have strengthened the criminal justice system and enhanced support for survivors.
Nonetheless, our primary focus must remain on preventing gender-based violence against young women and girls.
By partnering with civil society and other stakeholders, we continue to encourage men and boys to lead in changing behaviors and beliefs.
We remain unyielding in our fight against corruption and state capture.
The Investigating Directorate, now a permanent institution within the National Prosecuting Agency, is actively pursuing several corruption cases in court and has already charged numerous individuals.
In this significant milestone year for our democracy, we have continued to advance our constitutional mandate of promoting equality, human rights, and social justice.
We have enacted significant legislation, including the National Health Insurance Act and the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act.
The implementation of these laws will improve access to quality healthcare and education for all South Africans.
Just as we gained our freedom through the support and unity of many nations and individuals globally, we stand resolute in solidarity with those facing injustice elsewhere.
We remain firmly supportive of the people of Palestine.
As the conflicts in the Middle East continue, with atrocities occurring against the people of Gaza and Israeli hostages remaining captive, we advocate for an end to hostilities and the release of the hostages.
South Africa’s athletes have proudly represented our nation on international stages, showcasing our flag in various global arenas.
We express our gratitude to the athletes who have honored us at the recent Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.
We take pride in our nation’s artists who have elevated our flag on the world stage.
We commend our innovative artists, filmmakers, writers, and cultural contributors who have excelled in their professions, receiving accolades both nationally and internationally.
This year has been marked by significant achievements and progress, yet it has also brought moments of sorrow.
The heartbreaking loss of innocent children in Soweto and other areas due to contaminated food products deeply grieves our nation.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families affected by these tragedies.
We mourn the countless lives lost to violence on a daily basis.
We are particularly saddened by the recent avoidable and negligent deaths of young men in initiation schools in the Eastern Cape.
Our thoughts are with the families left in despair due to devastating shack fires in the Western Cape that obliterated their homes and possessions.
As individuals and as a community, we must dedicate ourselves to supporting those affected by these tragedies.
We will work closely with law enforcement to ensure the safety of our children.
We will consistently strive to secure our streets and neighborhoods.
As another year draws to a close, we honor all who continue to serve our nation.
We express our gratitude to our educators who nurture and guide our learners toward quality education.
We acknowledge our brave men and women in uniform who tirelessly strive to keep us safe, often making great personal sacrifices.
We thank our healthcare providers—doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other frontline workers—who respond to the needs of our citizens.
We recognize the commitment of our public servants and all South Africans who perform their duties with excellence and integrity.
Fellow South Africans,
Despite our advancements, we must strive to overcome the challenges confronting our nation.
We need to act swiftly and purposefully to cultivate an inclusive economy and create employment opportunities.
We must assist our municipalities to ensure every citizen has reliable access to quality services.
Especially, we must work together to address the urgent water supply challenges affecting various regions of our country.
As a community, our unity, determination, and resilience have aided us in navigating difficult times.
Just as this year has brought considerable change, we face the upcoming year with hope.
We will initiate a National Dialogue, bringing all South Africans together to establish a shared vision for our country.
In 2025, we will host the first G20 Summit on African soil.
Through our leadership of the G20, we will promote solidarity, equality, and sustainable development that benefits people across the globe.
As we greet the new year, I invite every South African to join us on this journey toward a brighter future for everyone.
I wish you all a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
May God bless South Africa and protect her people.
Thank you.
