President Cyril Ramaphosa has requested that parties in the government of national unity (GNU) avoid competition in their leadership.
Ramaphosa said this was in an effort to ensure that all priorities are met as the mid-term development plan guides the seventh administration.
This plan highlights inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical and developmental state for the next five years.
“The policies we pursue and the programmes we implement are not the property of one or another political party. We will therefore, each of us, equally advance and promote the positions and decisions of the government of national unity.
“I have said to my colleagues in the executive that there should be no competition among parties to the government of national unity to outdo each other or lay claim to the policies that we collectively adopt,” said Ramaphosa.
Look into matters stalling development
He said the GNU should also look into matters that stall the development of the country. This includes the high rate of crime, corruption, and substance abuse, among other things.
He raised concerns over the high rates of men dumping their children, leaving mothers to raise these children with no financial support from the fathers.
As such, he says over 60% of children grow up without their biological fathers.
“The abuse of women and children, abuse of the elderly and discrimination against persons living with disabilities are a stain on our moral conscience,” said Ramaphosa.
“As we strengthen the capabilities of our law enforcement agencies to deal decisively with crimes against society’s most vulnerable, we must intensify the work needed to prevent such crimes in the first place,” he added.
Ramaphosa called on a united South Africa to fight against these crimes. He also highlighted the fight against corruption.
Get rich quick
According to the president, people entertained the “get rich quick” mindset instead of putting in the work and corruption had a role to play.
He said the upcoming national dialogue should come up with ideas that would restore respect for human dignity, ubuntu, and empathy in societies.
“This should involve our faith-based institutions, civil society organisations working in communities, trade unions, sporting organisations, youth formations and others.
“Restoring the values of integrity, honesty and empathy in our society is not something that a strategic framework of government planning can resolve. It is an all-society effort, which we must all be part of,” said Ramaphosa.
