Cyril Ramaphosa climate change South Africa

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Photo: GCIS / Flickr

‘The ANC has made your life better’ – Cyril Ramaphosa

Never shy to make a bold claim, Cyril Ramaphosa turned heads on Wednesday evening – but this one might have to go to VAR…

Cyril Ramaphosa climate change South Africa

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Photo: GCIS / Flickr

Is that your final answer, Mr. President? Cyril Ramaphosa has made some very bold statements during a Q&A session at the ANC’s Luthuli House headquarters – but none were more grandiose than this.

Cyril Ramaphosa answers questions from Luthuli House

Ramaphosa was pressed on a number of matters, including the travel red-listing of Mzansi by the UK, and the aftermath of the Marikana massacre. Cyril had sharp answers for both, confirming that high-level talks with British PM Boris Johnson had been scheduled, and that he planned to visit the mining town scarred by tragedy.

However, the topic of corruption is never too far away when the leader of the ANC is on the spot. That proved to be the case on Wednesday night, after Ramaphosa was asked about the Digital Vibes report. The SIU painstakingly unwrapped how the firm siphoned off R150 million of taxpayers money, enriching the likes of Zweli Mkhize in the process.

ANC leader says party have ‘improved our lives’

Cyril Ramaphosa stood firm, insisting that the relevant legal authorities would be responsible for the former health minister’s fate. While on the defensive, the 68-year-old defending the ruling party’s record in government, and even declared that the ANC ‘has made the lives of South Africans better’.

Unfortunately for Cyril, the jury is very much out on that one…

“While our challenges are numerous, the fundamentals are that the ANC has made the lives of South Africans better. Of course, we understand the frustration and anger of most communities. In the next few months, weeks, and years ahead South Africans will witness the ANC’s sincerity, determination, and ability to meet their needs.”

“We are emerging from a past that we are not proud of. What has happened in the past is what should not have happened. The ANC has committed itself to act against corruption. But these achievements are diminished by the failure to provide basic services in some areas.We have now taken a view that our people abhor corruption.”

Cyril Ramaphosa