Ramaphosa revives ‘Scorpions’
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured the nation that his government will continue on a promise to deal with problems in the public sector and restore confidence to both citizens and the globe.
Presenting his State of the Nation Address (Sona) last night, Ramaphosa reflected on the progress made since he presented his first speech in parliament last year.
He described the time preceding his presidency as a period full of uncertainty and loss of confidence and trust.
But Ramaphosa said his administration has the resolve to cure the country of the “corrosive effects” of corruption which was a dominant feature of that time.
“We resolved to advance the values of our constitution and to once again place at the centre of our national agenda the needs of the poor, unemployed, marginalised and dispossessed,” he said.
“We are determined to stay the course. We are undaunted by the considerable difficulties we have yet to overcome. All of us, as South Africans, should face up to the challenges and difficulties that lie ahead. The task of building a better South Africa is our collective responsibility as a nation, as the people of South Africa.”
Ramaphosa presented his speech at a time when the country is facing pressure with increasing levels of corruption, unemployment and low confidence in the state.
Yesterday’s Sona was also crucial for the governing party as the country will be heading into a general election in a few months time.
Ramaphosa thanked the na- tion for responding positively to his call of “Thuma Mina” aimed at garnering the nation toward making a difference.
“Our efforts may have been uneven, and we still have much work to do, but we have demonstrated over the last year our shared determination to work together to confront our common challenges.”
He said his administration has been able to restore stability in public institutions such as National Prosecuting Authority, the South African Revenue Service, the State Security Agency and the South African Police Service.
This, he said, was confirmed by the appointment of the new national director of public prosecutions Shamila Batohi, who took over this month.
Ramaphosa said there would be fundamental changes in the State Security Agency after recommendations by a review panel led by former minister Sydney Mufamadi.
Among the changes would be the re-establishment of the National Security Council which will be chaired by the president to ensure better coordination of the intelligence and security related functions.
There will also be a re-establishment of two arms in the intelligence service, one focusing on domestic and the other on foreign intelligence.
He said the government would work hard to accelerate inclusive economic growth and create jobs; improve the education system and develop skills; fight against corruption and state capture; and strengthen the capacity of the state to address the needs of the people.
We are undaunted by difficulties