Ramaphosa charts ‘better future’ for ANC in 2021

ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the January 8 statement on Friday evening as part of the governing party’s 109th birthday celebrations. 

The virtual event was a far cry from the usual spectacle as the country continues to observe stringent Covid-19 regulations.  

Ramaphosa set out the party’s priorities for the year ahead, including bolstering government’s response to the pandemic and boosting the ailing economy. 

“Firstly, to act together with all South Africans to defeat the coronavirus. We start the year in the midst of a second wave of infections that is spreading far faster and has the potential to cause greater loss of life than the first wave. This requires effective implementation of prevention measures and a rapid and efficient programme to provide a vaccine to all our people,” he said. 

“Secondly, to place our economy on a path of renewal and recovery. This path must be one which overcomes the apartheid and colonial legacy of poverty, inequality and unemployment.” 

The party’s 2021 agenda also includes massive job creation, ensuring new electricity generation and ending the state capture corruption network. 

Ramaphosa added the upcoming fiercely contested local government elections are a motivating force. 

“With governance comes great responsibility. The ANC must win public confidence by progressively meeting the needs of the people, accounting to communities, deploying the most capable cadres to positions of responsibility, managing public resources ethically and acknowledging weaknesses. This is the message that every ANC member should take to heart in 2021 as our country holds the sixth local government elections since democracy,” he said.  

“We have to account to the people on the state of our municipalities, many of which are facing deep challenges of governance, stability, service delivery and financial management.” He assured party members that he had not neglected its plans for land reform.  

“During the course of this year, we expect Parliament to approve an amendment to section 25 of the constitution, clearly outlining the circumstances in which land may be expropriated without compensation. This will give effect to an important resolution of our 54th national conference and will contribute to the acceleration of land reform.” 

Ramaphosa further vowed to ensure unity in the party’s ranks.