Help out during these difficult times, urges Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa says that the country is currently undergoing a “difficult” time, but asks South Africans to help out where possible on Internation Nelson Mandela Day.
He made the comments in his weekly newsletter that came on Mandela Day.
Ramaphosa says this year's Mandela Day letter, comes at a time where the country is battling the worst energy crisis in more than two years that has seen the economy being plunged into stage 6 loadshedding.
South Africa has also been gripped by an array of violent spates in communities that have been characterised by mass shootings.
“We are in the midst of an energy crisis that is causing great hardship. A spate of violent crimes is heightening fear and insecurity in communities. Even as our economy is recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, poverty and unemployment is taking a heavy toll on millions who are struggling to make ends meet. Corruption has eaten away at our nation’s soul and has severely eroded the social compact between the state and citizens.
ALSO READ: Cele suggests night time loadshedding must be suspended in Alexandra
“Nelson Mandela Day is an opportunity to remember that these problems, like so many we have faced before, are not insurmountable. They can be overcome.
“This day is an opportunity to recommit ourselves to upholding the values Madiba stood for and to building the South Africa to which he dedicated his life.”
Ramaphosa adds that building a better South Africa will require everyone’s contribution.
“Building a better South Africa requires each and every one of us to make a contribution in whatever way we can. Defending our democracy begins with individual acts, like joining a community policing forum, volunteering at a charity or a shelter, reporting crime or refusing to pay a bribe.”
