President Ramaphosa Reflects on ANC's Three Decades of De

President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the crowd at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, celebrating 30 years of democracy in South Africa (Image courtesy: Leadership Media Group)

Phetolo Sematha

(The Post News) – As South Africa marks three decades of democracy on Freedom Day, President Cyril Ramaphosa stood firm at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, delivering a powerful address. With passion and conviction, the nation’s leader spoke directly to the people, casting light on the pivotal role the African National Congress (ANC) has played in guiding the nation through a remarkable journey of transformation since the historic end of apartheid in 1994.

Ramaphosa, who is also the president of the ANC, highlighted the significant progress made in the past three decades. He said, “South Africa has become a much better place compared to 30 years ago.” In his speech, he pointed out notable achievements such as land reform and infrastructure development.

The ANC has worked tirelessly on land reform, redistributing millions of hectares to those who were historically deprived. “Our efforts have focused on rectifying past injustices by distributing millions of hectares of land to those who were forcefully dispossessed,” said Ramaphosa.

The ANC is well-known for its focus on developing infrastructure. The President emphasised their achievements in building homes, healthcare facilities, and other important services. He mentioned the construction of houses, clinics, hospitals, roads, bridges, dams, and various other facilities. Furthermore, he stated that they have provided millions of South African households with electricity, water, and sanitation.

Despite these advancements, the ANC’s reputation has suffered blows due to allegations of corruption and its perceived failure to adequately address the persistent issues of poverty, crime, inequality, and unemployment. These societal challenges loom large, with unemployment rates reaching alarming heights, particularly among the youth.

Ramaphosa acknowledged these problems but remained resolute. He denounced naysayers who “wilfully shut their eyes” to the progress achieved. “We have made much progress,” he asserted, “and we are determined to do much more.”

The ANC’s story is closely intertwined with South Africa’s fight for freedom. When the party achieved a resounding victory in the first inclusive election, it became a significant turning point in history. Nelson Mandela, the nation’s first Black president, symbolized a new era filled with hope and equality. This triumph also resulted in the creation of a new constitution that firmly upheld the principles of equality for every citizen.

Since 1994, the ANC has held the reins of governance, weaving a legacy that intertwines liberation and persistent hurdles. As the 2024 elections approach, the ANC stands at a crossroads, facing a defining moment in its history. Recent polls paint a sobering picture, indicating a waning support for the ruling party. Once towering with over 57% of the vote, the ANC’s popularity now teeters just above the 40% mark. Should it dip below the crucial 50% threshold, the path forward will necessitate coalition-building to sustain its grip on power.

President Ramaphosa’s speech was about both celebrating what we’ve achieved and recognizing the tough times ahead. The ANC is dealing with big problems like poverty and inequality that won’t go away easily. More than 25% of people rely on social welfare just to get by, showing how urgent it is for us to make the economy fairer and help everyone grow together.

As the 2024 elections draw near, the ANC is tasked with a two-fold mission: to uphold its past achievements and tackle the urgent concerns of its people. The path ahead is riddled with difficulties, yet Ramaphosa’s steadfast dedication resounds across time, serving as a constant reminder to South Africans that their pursuit of genuine liberation persists.