Improving South Africa's economy is most pressing challenge - Ramaphosa

He's been responding to the debate on last week's State of the Nation Address.

He addressed members of parliament on Wednesday at the Cape Town City Hall.

READ: Taking petroleum projects to court kills investment - Mantashe

"Despite the great progress that has been made in the last 28 years. To address the legacy of dispossession and exploitation, the material divides between black and white, men and women, rural and urban, still persists up to today.

"The steady economic recovery, expanding employment and increasing investment that followed the advent of our democracy was disrupted by the 2008 global financial crisis." 

The president told MPs the Covid-19 crisis has exacerbated the matter.

ALSO READ: Cele withdraws plot claims against Malema, Sitole

"We cannot disregard the fact that the pandemic has caused our economy severe damage that will take years to repair. 

"Unless we appreciate these facts, unless we characterise the current situation correctly. Our response may well be ill-considered and it will also be misdirected."