President Ramaphosa Highlights Achievements, Challenges Of Sixth Administration

President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted achievements and challenges faced by his administration in the last five years during his term.

Addressing the nation on Sunday ahead of national election on May 29, the president noted that at the start of his tenure in 2019, South Africa "stood at a turning point" as the country had "endured a decade of corruption and state capture" alongside "weak economic growth and the erosion of our public institutions," SA News reported.

He explained that after five years, his administration successfully got rid of that era and placed South Africa on a new trajectory of recovery while creating a strong foundation for future growth.

"We have taken significant steps to reform our economy by implementing a number of reforms that affect various sectors of the economy. In tackling crime and corruption, we have introduced a number of initiatives and measures to reposition our criminal justice system," he said.

Ramaphosa added, "We have faced many challenges along the way, which have tested our resilience and our resolve. Yet, in each instance, we have confronted these challenges together. We have remained united. We have worked in partnership and in solidarity."

The president said his administration dislodged the criminal networks that were responsible for stealing billions from South Africans, adding that the government worked to rebuild the nation's law enforcement agencies, security services, state-owned companies and several other public bodies.

He credited institutions like the NPA's [National Prosecuting Authority] Investigating Directorate, the Hawks and the SIU for bringing several state capture and corruption cases to court and getting billions of rands recovered.

Ramaphosa has made the NPA's Investigating Directorate against Corruption a permanent part of the organization by signing it into law.

However, the president noted that there is a lot that needs to be done in order to end corruption in this country, noting that the government has warned the corrupt people that they won't be able to get away with their crimes with impunity and without consequence.

Furthermore, he highlighted that the government had introduced a massive package of social and economic support to protect vulnerable businesses, workers and households from the destructive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The last five years have been a time of rebuilding and recovery. It has been about working together not only to meet the challenges of the moment but to put in place firm foundations for a better future," he said.

He added, "As this sixth administration draws to a close, and as we prepare for the seventh administration, let us build on the progress that we have made. At this moment in our path to renewal, we cannot afford to turn back. There is more work to be done."