President Ramaphosa Reaffirms GNU's Commitment To Overcome Challenges

President Cyril Ramaphosa slammed critics and reaffirmed the Government of National Unity's (GNU) commitment to succeed despite differing ideologies and South Africa's challenges.

Speaking on Monday, the president stated that the GNU was formed to rebuild the nation and emphasized the importance of setting aside differences to work together for the common good.

Ramaphosa expressed satisfaction with the GNU members' unity and dedication during discussions and their future leadership. He highlighted that 62 million South Africans are counting on the GNU to succeed, regardless of the opposition.

He encouraged using the current opportunity to restore and build, noting that unity will provide comfort, courage, and strength during tough times.

"So let us use this opportunity. In the challenging and difficult times, we live; this unity will be our comfort, the unity that we are forging our courage, and it will be our greatest strength," the president said, SA News reported. "It is time to get South Africa working again."

Ramaphosa acknowledged that the results of the May 29 vote have changed South African politics significantly. He noted that the debate, held during the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA), showed South Africa has entered a new era of hope and optimism.

The president said the importance of proving that the GNU is not just a temporary measure. While there will be disagreements, as shown in the debate, Ramaphosa emphasized the need to meet the expectations of those who elected them.

He highlighted the goal of improving life for all South Africans and stressed the importance of working together towards the Medium-Term Development Plan 2024-2029, which will guide the seventh administration.

"We are very much alive to the challenges we still face as a country. And yet we must remind ourselves that South Africa is not in the hopeless situation that some in the opposition benches want us to believe and have sought to loudly assert with sound and fury during this debate," he said.

He added, "South Africa is a country that has come a long way over the past 30 years. Let us never lose sight of that. Certainly, there have been setbacks and shortcomings. But we have done much to recover from these and are now committed to move forward with greater speed and impact."

Ramaphosa emphasized that the GNU is committed to accelerating efforts to bring development and shared prosperity to South Africa. He added that, as Minister John Steenhuisen has said, the GNU needs "builders, not breakers or destroyers," and "weavers, not vultures."

Those who share the vision of a better South Africa will find the GNU open to cooperation and collaboration. Ramaphosa said that leaders in the GNU and Parliament must rise to the challenge of being builders, not disruptors. They should focus on creating a capable, ethical government, growing the economy and reducing poverty.