Ramaphosa
By Thabo Mosia
Cape Town – In his reply to the Budget Vote debate on Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa shone a light on South Africa’s journey over the past 31 years of democracy. He praised the resilience of the Government of National Unity (GNU) and the country’s Constitution, which stands as a beacon of rights and justice. The President spoke after a full day of heated discussions in Parliament, where members debated the Presidency’s Budget Vote for 2025/2026. This budget focuses on coordination across government, strategic leadership, and key programmes to drive inclusive growth, job creation, and poverty reduction.
The debate itself was lively and at times sharp, reflecting the vibrancy of South Africa’s democratic system. It came just over a year after the national elections that led to the formation of the second GNU in the country’s history. Ramaphosa noted that this coalition of 10 political parties, with their varied backgrounds and views, has held firm despite facing tough challenges. “And yet, despite those differences, the GNU partners have chosen to work together for the common good of all South Africans. It is a Government of National Unity,” he said.
Celebrating a Young but Resilient Democracy
South Africa’s democracy, at only 31 years old, has achieved much in improving lives, the President emphasised. He compared it to older democracies around the world, some dating back hundreds or even thousands of years. Despite its youth, the nation has made strides in areas like housing, water supply, and electricity access. Millions of homes have been electrified, clean water has reached many communities, and public housing has provided shelter for the most vulnerable.
Ramaphosa highlighted the Constitution as a source of national pride. “We are counted as amongst the few [countries] who have the type of Constitution that we have, that upholds our people’s rights, where our people can even challenge government and take government to court and hope to win. And at times, they win. That is not easily allowed in many other countries, but that is what should make us proud to be South Africans,” he stated.
This pride comes amid ongoing challenges, which the President did not shy away from addressing. He responded to criticisms raised during the debate, including those from Honourable John Hlophe, who listed many of the country’s problems. “Yesterday, Honourable [John] Hlophe gave a laundry list of everything wrong in this country, and we are alive to the many challenges that we face. At the same time, we should not lose sight of the fact that this democracy, only 31 years old, has made great progress in improving the quality of life of its citizens, not to the level we want, [but] it has improved the life of its citizens,” Ramaphosa said.
The Strength and Role of the Government of National Unity
The GNU’s ability to weather storms was a key theme in the President’s reply. Formed after the 2024 elections, it brings together parties to focus on shared goals like economic growth and reducing inequality. Ramaphosa stressed that the coalition must help South Africans keep their faith in democracy by delivering real change. He reaffirmed his commitment to this fragile yet enduring partnership, noting its importance in a time of global and local uncertainties.
In his initial Budget Vote address on Wednesday, Ramaphosa outlined the administration’s priorities, which align with the GNU’s approach. These include promoting inclusive growth, creating jobs, and building a capable, ethical state. Flagship programmes like Operation Vulindlela have unlocked R500 billion in investments, while the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission has seen commitments of R1.2 trillion for projects. Efforts to end load shedding by 2026 and improve logistics at ports and railways are also underway.
The President also spoke about the National Dialogue, a process to build a social compact similar to historic efforts like the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) and the National Peace Accord. This dialogue aims to produce tangible results for development, transformation, and nation-building, without replacing constitutional processes.
Tackling Historical Inequalities and Economic Challenges
Ramaphosa delved into the country’s past to explain current efforts. He addressed the Carnegie Report, mentioned by a Freedom Front Plus MP, which focused on the “poor white problem” in the early 20th century. The President argued it is “not a useful guide, as we confront the challenges of the democratic South Africa.” He pointed out huge disparities in past spending: more resources went to white schools, hospitals, social grants, housing, and agricultural support.
Land issues were a focal point. “When you were dispossessed of your land, it was the State that gave you the land, and today, black people do not have the land, and it is the State that must help them to get that land,” he explained. This underscores ongoing work to correct racial imbalances through land reform and economic empowerment.
Economically, the President noted that 73% of employment comes from the private sector. Government must create an enabling environment for growth, including through partnerships with business. The Medium Term Development Plan sets targets for programmes, with budget votes providing the needed resources.
Social support remains vital. The Presidential Employment Stimulus has created 1.7 million work opportunities, while social grants reach 27 million people. Efforts against gender-based violence include new laws and support centres. The fight against HIV/AIDS continues through the South African National AIDS Council, aiming to end it as a public health threat.
Building a Capable and Accountable
The Presidency’s role is not about direct service delivery but coordination and oversight. “The Presidency, and indeed the President, does not try accused persons or put them in orange overalls. The role of the Presidency is to ensure that the work of government departments is coordinated, and that Cabinet decisions and priority programmes are implemented,” Ramaphosa clarified.
Accountability is strengthened through reports like Annual Performance Plans and the District Development Model, which aligns national, provincial, and local government for better efficiency. The Public Service Commission Bill enhances ethical governance, while anti-corruption reforms have led to eight new laws and the recovery of nearly R11 billion in state capture assets by March 2025.
The Digital Transformation Roadmap, launched in April 2025, aims to make government more efficient and accessible. Intelligence reforms and responses to the 2021 unrest have improved security coordination.
Opposition Views and the Path Forward
Opposition parties, including the MK Party and EFF, rejected the budget, accusing the Presidency of overseeing corruption and failing to address crime syndicates. They claimed the country is at the mercy of such threats and that Ramaphosa’s leadership is flawed.
Yet, the President defended the fight against corruption, highlighting commissions and reforms. He praised young MPs like Honourable Petersen for their confidence, seeing it as a sign of democracy’s future.
On the global stage, South Africa faces challenges like US tariffs on exports starting August 2025, amid retreating multilateralism. Ramaphosa called for unity to navigate these.
The debate showed South Africa’s dedication to open talks about the past while pushing for an equitable future. It calls for collective action to build a capable state and improve lives, as the nation marks Nelson Mandela Day on 18 July – a reminder to work together for a better society.
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