President targets new generation of voters in plea

AS POLITICAL parties prepare for the sixth general elections in five months, President Cyril Ramaphosa says the polls will present an opportunity for the country to recommit itself to the provisions outlined in the Constitution.

“It will be an opportunity for a new generation of young South Africans to exercise the right to vote and determine their own future. We urge all our people, particularly the youth, to register to vote and to exercise their responsibility as patriotic citizens of our great nation,” he said.

Ramaphosa’s comments form part of his new year message to the country. The ANC leader will this year also deliver the State of the Nation address for the second time since being sworn into office last year.

Reflecting on the events of last year, Ramaphosa said it was a year of renewal for the country.

“It has been a year in which we worked together to restore confidence in our public institutions and to confront the devastating effects of state capture and corruption, both in government and business,” he said, adding that the year also focused on closing the unemployment gap through hosting the Job Summit.

Ramphosa also highlighted that there had been an immense effort to grow the economy by attracting investors to the country.

He called on South Africans to unite and embark on a huge national effort to build on the progress made so far and ensure that the country continued along the path of growth.

“In 2019, we must raise our hands – in the spirit of Thuma Mina – to participate actively in the transformation of our society. Each of us has the ability and the desire to make a meaningful difference.”

Ramaphosa also took time to extend well wishes to the matriculants of 2018, whose results would be released on Friday by the Department of Basic Education.

“To the matric class of 2018, South Africa thanks you for the hard work, discipline and diligence you maintained throughout your years at school.

“We congratulate each and every successful candidate and the families, teachers and communities who made them succeed.

“To those who have not passed, I urge you to make use of the opportunities available to improve your results, to return to your books and to never give up,” he added.