For SA to reconcile it will need to overcome social ills, says Ramaphosa
Updated | By Sinethemba Madolo
President Cyril Ramaphosa says reconciliation will remain a pipedream while most South Africans suffer from poverty and inequality.
Ramaphosa delivered the keynote address in celebration of National Day of Reconciliation on Wednesday.
He said the country cannot move forward while the majority still lives beneath the poverty line.
"While a minority exists in comfort and privilege.
"We cannot move forward with the process of meaningful reconciliation with policies around economic transformation, affirmative action and land reform are resisted," Ramaphosa said.
He said reconciliation will never be possible unless the country addresses its societal ills.
ALSO READ: Zuma takes Zondo battle to the High Court
"We cannot build a society that enables the individual to better their life and realise their potential when resources meant for the benefit of the people are stolen by those who claim to be public servants.
"So long as we do not overcome the poverty, inequality and underdevelopment that affects this country’s majority, reconciliation will forever remain out of our reach."
Ramaphosa warned that it is not enough to merely commit to advancing social cohesion and nation-building.
"We must also ask ourselves what we can each do to advance social cohesion and nation building?
"We must ask ourselves what we can do and indeed what we must do as individuals, as leaders and as a people to advance social justice, solidarity and human rights – in our homes, communities, workplaces, where we study, where we worship and in all facets of life.
“Just as government alone cannot bring about reconciliation, social and economic transformation is a responsibility with which we have all been charged.
"It is up to all social partners to drive the change we need and want to see in this country."
Show's Stories
-
LISTEN: The best road trip tips ahead of the Easter weekend
From traffic to packing, Rob Forbes and Rozanne McKenzie are sharing tip...
The Drive with Rob & Roz 49 minutes ago -
Boris Kodjoe reveals that he trolls his kids' social media
Now this dad is a dad we can get down with... one that doesn't apologise...
The Workzone with Alex Jay an hour ago