South Africa: President Ramaphosa Defends ANC's Progress Amidst Challenges
In his nearly two-hour State of the Nation address to Parliament, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa sought to reassure the nation that his ruling African National Congress (ANC) party is actively addressing the country's pressing issues. With elections on the horizon, Ramaphosa defended his first term in office and the ANC's 30-year governance amidst a backdrop of growing criticism and polls that suggest a potential loss of majority for the party.
South Africa, once known for its apartheid system of racial segregation, has made significant strides since 1994 when the ANC came into power. However, the party's reputation has diminished over time, and support has gradually declined. Acknowledging both the progress made and the challenges that persist, Ramaphosa emphasized that despite the hardships, South Africa is in a better place today than it was under apartheid.
One of the most pressing issues facing the country is unemployment, which currently stands at a record high of over 30%, a figure that surpasses any other nation. Among young people below the age of 25, the unemployment rate is even more dire, reaching a staggering 60%. With a struggling economy already grappling with various challenges, including an ongoing electricity crisis, the need for urgent action is evident.
The electricity crisis has led to rolling blackouts across the country, severely impacting businesses and further hindering economic growth. Ramaphosa, along with many others, has blamed the energy crisis on the administration of former President Jacob Zuma, who held the presidency from 2009 to 2018. During his tenure, rampant corruption took place, resulting in the depletion of state-owned entities like the national electricity supplier.
Since assuming office in 2019, Ramaphosa has made combating corruption a top priority. He highlighted that more than 200 individuals have been prosecuted for serious corruption, with ongoing investigations into others. Additionally, $453 million has been recovered from corrupt activities, and $737 million has been frozen by authorities. Despite these efforts, the president acknowledged that complete eradication of corruption remains a work in progress.
The cost of corruption during Zuma's presidency has been estimated at $17 billion, prompting sarcastic comments such as 'Ramaphosa praises ANC government for rebuilding what they destroyed' from prominent South African news websites. The president himself faced a scandal when it was revealed in 2022 that he had over $500,000 in U.S. cash concealed inside furniture at one of his properties. Although allegations of money laundering and tax evasion surfaced, Ramaphosa was cleared of any wrongdoing. However, the incident almost pushed him to the brink of resignation.
With the upcoming elections scheduled between May and August, Ramaphosa aims to secure a second term in office—a final five-year tenure. While the ANC is still anticipated to win the largest share of votes, there is a possibility that the party may fall below the 50% mark. In such a scenario, the ANC would need to form a coalition in order to govern and retain Ramaphosa as president. The outcome of the election will undoubtedly shape South Africa's political landscape and determine the path forward.
During Ramaphosa's State of the Nation speech, ANC lawmakers cheered him while opposition members occasionally jeered. However, new rules preventing interruptions and political grandstanding contributed to a less tumultuous atmosphere compared to previous years. Notably, the third-largest party in Parliament, the Economic Freedom Fighters, boycotted the speech after its top officials, including its leader, were suspended and barred from attending as a result of disrupting last year's address.
While the ANC loyalists find solace in Ramaphosa's defense of the party's progress, the official opposition, the Democratic Alliance, remains critical. They assert that South Africa has regressed under Ramaphosa's leadership, leading to decay, increased inequality, and a surge in unemployment. Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen called for new ideas and a new government, declaring that 30 years of South African democracy does not warrant an eternity under the ANC.
As South Africa approaches a crucial election that could potentially reshape its political landscape, the issues of unemployment, corruption, and a struggling economy continue to loom large. President Cyril Ramaphosa, aware of the challenges, seeks to rally support for the ANC by highlighting the progress achieved while acknowledging the distance yet to be traveled. The outcome of the upcoming elections will serve as a barometer of the nation's mood and desires for the future.
