President Ramaphosa Urges ANC Members To Avoid Flaunting Lavish Lifestyles On Social Media

President Cyril Ramaphosa asked ANC members, especially those in government, to avoid showing off their luxurious lifestyles on social media.

Speaking at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni on Tuesday while delivering the closing remarks on the last day of the ANC NEC Lekgotla, the president warned that doing so might make them seem superior to the people they serve.

Ramaphosa reminded them that they represent what the ANC stands for and should not make headlines for the wrong reasons. He stressed that if the ANC wants to lead again and renew itself, members must act and serve the people as they should.

"The renewal of the ANC must be reflected in our everyday behavior, on how we conduct ourselves in public platforms and what we post on social media. Let us not occupy headlines for the wrong reasons," the president said, IOL reported.

He added, "Let us be known for excellence and competence. Every NEC member, every public representative, every deployee and every cadre must consider themselves as communicators. They need to be suitably skilled and capacitated, need to understand the positions and messages of the ANC, and need to exercise discipline and responsibility."

The three-day event focused on social issues in the country. In his speech, Ramaphosa called for a study to review how prices for basic needs are set, aiming to tackle the high cost of living.

He said that to tackle rising living costs, they should study and review how prices like fuel and electricity are determined and consider expanding the list of VAT-exempt basic goods.

Ramaphosa also pointed out that transport costs consume a massive portion of people's income, especially for those far from economic opportunities and services. He urged his members to improve their performance in the Government of National Unity (GNU).

Last month, the president slammed critics and reaffirmed the GNU's commitment to succeed despite differing ideologies and South Africa's challenges. He noted 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 said in June that the parties involved in the GNU have agreed on the main goals of the new administration. Their top priority is achieving rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth to create jobs.