President Cyril Ramaphosa characterised the work of the seventh Parliament, as “something far bigger, and far more important than mere politics” when he responded to the debate of his Opening of Parliament Address, which he had delivered last week in Cape Town’s City Hall.
In responding to the debate, he told the MPs that the nation’s eyes are on Parliament as the epicentre of the advancement of the will of the people. He also said that the new Government of National Unity (GNU) will be an era of hope and opportunity, as it works with the common purpose of taking the country forward while remaining aware of points of divergence.
This direction is laid out in the medium-term development plan, the President explained, which will be based on the goals of:
- Inclusive growth and job creation
- Reducing poverty
- And improving the capability of a developmental state.
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“It is important that whatever social policies the GNU develops are aligned to the social reality on the ground. What will define the seventh administration’s work is strategic alignment of the priorities set out and greater efficiencies and optimal use of financial resources,” the President said.
Meanwhile, at local government level the President said that municipalities must become providers of social services and facilitators of local economic growth. They must also implement indigent policies so that the old, the infirm, and the poor are able to access assistance when they pay for services.
In addition, the President said that municipalities must attract investment and encourage businesses to expand and create more jobs in municipal areas. Investors are attracted to areas with reliable and modern infrastructure, he pointed out.
He also committed government to launching the second phase of Operation Vulindlela. “This we do so that we can continuously make efforts to give our people a better life. When the worst global health emergency in our lifetime, were able to shelter our people through the provision of Covid grants, a scheme to support workers’ wages, and support to businesses affected by the lockdowns. Over the next five years we will be putting further programmes in place to reduce poverty and mitigate the high cost of living.”
Mr Ramaphosa highlighted that South Africa’s report to the United Nations noted a reduction in maternal, infant, and neonatal mortalities. “South Africans lived longer and had better outcomes. This is an important measure in the whole process of human development index,” he said.
He added that in the next five years the government will ensure that everyone is able to access quality healthcare through implementation of the National Health Insurance scheme. Responding to questions related to challenges facing the healthcare system and optimism expressed by some MPs about the implementation of the National Health Insurance, President Ramaphosa assured MPs about this, saying it will be implemented.
Mr Ramaphosa disputed that South Africa was a hopeless case, as members of the opposition sought to suggest during the debate. He said, also, that government had taken note of the fact “urgency is a currency of the times in which we now live”.
“The GNU is determined to rapidly scale up the pace of our efforts to bring development and shared prosperity to our people by working together. We need to be builders not destroyers. We need to be weavers not vultures. Those who share this vision will always find the doors of GNU open for collaboration,” added Mr Ramaphosa.
He said the people expected that leaders work together to chart the way of a better life for all, pulling in one direction. “That is what the people of South Africa expect of this House,” he said.
He assured MPs about the commitment of the GNU to the call that was made by Mr Nqabayomzi Nkwankwa of the United Democratic Movement for the government’s policies and programmes to be aligned with prevailing socio-economic realities.
He also mentioned that Minister Siviwe Gwarube of the Department of Basic Education and her team will take basic education to new heights, particularly in historically impoverished communities. Meanwhile, the programme to eliminate pit toilets at village schools is underway to ensure that learners enjoy their constitutionally enshrined dignity. And he congratulated social grant recipients for achieving an 81% matric pass rate in 2023.
He said the GNU has noted the call made by Mr Musi Maimane to ensure that young people are properly empowered as they are competing in a world of technological advances. He said the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Blade Nzimande, and his team are turning the department into a tool of empowerment for young South Africans to compete successfully in this sphere.
Sibongile Maputi
23 July 2024
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