
PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA’S NEW YEAR MESSAGE
Fellow South Africans,
As we prepare to embark on a new year, we pause to consider the opportunities that 2024 presents—a year of change and progress.
This year we commemorated 30 years since we embraced freedom and democracy on April 27, 1994.
We celebrated the strides made in creating a society grounded in freedom, equality, and human rights.
On May 29, 2024, we conducted our seventh democratic elections, which were marked by peace and transparency.
When South Africans cast their votes for their representatives, they voiced their concerns, hopes, and aspirations.
Through their participation, our citizens called upon political parties to put aside their differences and come together for the nation’s greater good.
Following the elections, it was clear that no single party held an outright majority to govern alone, prompting us to respond by establishing a Government of National Unity.
This coalition, made up of 10 different political parties, is dedicated to fostering an inclusive economy and creating jobs through its Statement of Intent.
The GNU is focused on tackling poverty and lowering living costs.
All parties are working together to enhance the government’s capacity to deliver essential services to our citizens.
The results of the May 2024 elections and the formation of the Government of National Unity signify the dawn of a new, promising era for South Africa.
Our economy is showing signs of gradual but steady improvement.
More South Africans are securing employment opportunities.
With a decrease in inflation, basic goods are becoming more affordable for households.
In 2024, South Africa achieved its first primary budget surplus in 15 years.
Public sector investment continues to grow for another consecutive year.
We have also seen increased investments in infrastructure, including roads, railways, public housing, energy, and sanitation.
Business confidence is rising, which is encouraging further investments.
The international outlook for investors regarding South Africa has strengthened, with numerous companies showing interest in entering or expanding their operations in our market.
As these developments unfold, more jobs will be created, livelihoods will be secured, and local businesses will flourish.
The extensive economic reforms we set in motion during the sixth administration are producing positive outcomes.
We are emerging from a challenging energy crisis that has caused widespread suffering among households and businesses.
The nation has now experienced 280 days without load shedding.
We are committed to expanding our power generation capacity, attracting significant new investments in electricity, and creating a competitive electricity market.
Our logistics sector, crucial to our economy, has benefited from measures we have implemented in collaboration with business partners, labor, and Transnet.
Delays in the handling of imports and exports at our ports have diminished, and rail freight is operating more efficiently.
This advancement will further encourage investments and improve overall efficiency.
With ongoing collaboration between the government and businesses—alongside our commitment to working with social partners, including labor—we are making tangible progress in dismantling barriers to accelerate growth and job creation.
This year has also seen an intensification of our efforts to combat crime.
Through focused initiatives like Operation Shanela and Operation Vala Umgodi, our law enforcement agencies are taking determined action against organized crime, illegal mining, extortion in the construction sector, and other key offenses.
As a society, we have concentrated our resources on tackling gender-based violence and femicide.
We have strengthened the criminal justice system and improved support for survivors.
Nevertheless, our primary focus must remain on preventing gender-based violence against our youth, especially women and girls.
By collaborating with civil society and various stakeholders, we continue to call on men and boys to take the lead in changing harmful attitudes and behaviors.
Our resolve to combat corruption and state capture remains unwavering.
The Investigating Directorate, now a permanent fixture within the National Prosecuting Agency, is actively pursuing several corruption cases in court and has laid charges against numerous individuals.
In this landmark year for our democracy, we have taken significant steps to fulfill our constitutional duty to uphold equality, human rights, and social justice.
We have introduced transformative legislation, including the National Health Insurance Act and the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act.
The implementation of these laws will expand access to quality healthcare and education for all South Africans.
Just as we achieved our freedom through the collective support and solidarity of many nations and individuals globally, we remain steadfast in solidarity with those facing injustice elsewhere.
We continue to advocate for the people of Palestine.
As the conflict in the Middle East persists, with heinous acts being carried out against the people of Gaza and Israeli hostages still held captive, we call for an end to hostilities and the immediate release of hostages.
South Africa’s athletes have represented our nation with honor on global stages, showcasing our flag in various international competitions.
We extend our appreciation to the athletes who brought us pride during the recent Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.
We take pride in our nation’s artists, who have elevated our flag around the world.
We commend our talented artists, filmmakers, writers, and cultural contributors who have excelled in their respective fields, earning accolades both locally and internationally.
This year has been marked by accomplishments and notable progress; however, it has also brought moments of sorrow.
The heartbreaking loss of innocent children in Soweto and other areas due to contaminated food products weighs heavily on our nation.
We offer our deepest condolences to the families affected by these tragedies.
We grieve for the countless lives lost to violence each day.
We feel profound sorrow for the recent untimely deaths of young men in initiation schools in the Eastern Cape.
Our thoughts are with families devastated by the tragic shack fires in the Western Cape that claimed their homes and possessions.
As individuals and as a community, we must dedicate ourselves to supporting those affected by these events.
We will work in partnership with law enforcement to ensure the safety of our children.
We will commit to securing our streets and neighborhoods.
As this year draws to a close, we honor all those who tirelessly serve our nation.
We extend our gratitude to our educators who nurture and guide our learners toward quality education.
We recognize our brave men and women in uniform who work diligently to keep us safe, often at great personal cost.
We appreciate our healthcare professionals—doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other frontline workers—who respond to the needs of our citizens.
We acknowledge the dedication of our public servants and all South Africans who carry out their responsibilities with integrity and excellence.
Dear South Africans,
Despite our progress, we must strive to address the challenges that our nation continues to face.
We need to act with urgency and purpose to cultivate an inclusive economy and create jobs.
We must support our municipalities to ensure that all citizens have reliable access to quality services.
In particular, we must unite to address the urgent water supply challenges affecting many regions of our country.
As a community, our unity, determination, and resilience have guided us through challenging times.
As this year has been one of substantial change, we look to the year ahead with hope.
We will launch a National Dialogue to bring all South Africans together to develop a shared vision for our future.
In 2025, we will host the first G20 Summit on African soil.
Through our leadership of the G20, we will advocate for solidarity, equality, and sustainable development that benefits people around the globe.
As we approach the new year, I invite every South African to join us on this journey toward a brighter future for all.
I wish you all a peaceful and successful New Year.
May God bless South Africa and protect her people.
Thank you.