“Diamonds, rivers… fear”: Cyril Ramaphosa’s New Year Message [quotes]

It’s been a tough 12 months for Cyril Ramaphosa. The Bosasa scandal, a constant threat of load shedding and some shocking economic nosedives have really cast a cloud over the so-called “new dawn” promised by his administration. However, the president is looking to the future – and he’s shared the following sentiments in his New Year Message:

In quotes: The New Year Message from Cyril Ramaphosa

Cyril Ramaphosa faces his toughest challenges

“While our economy created jobs, these have not been nearly enough to stop the rise in unemployment or the deepening of poverty. Many South Africans’ lives have changed for the better, but many others are yet to feel the benefits of the economic reforms and new investment.”

Gender-based violence tops the agenda

“As a nation, we have witnessed the brutality perpetrated by men against women and against children. We have seen fear in our homes, schools and streets. Yet, as a nation, we have stood as one in our determination to end the crimes perpetrated by these men. An outpouring of grief and anger has incited the nation to action, to undertake an emergency response plan that will turn the tide on this national shame.”

Cyril Ramaphosa lists his reasons to be cheerful

“We are drawing closer to our goal  of providing quality health care to all South Africans, and redistributing land to all those who work it and all those who need it. We are making progress towards our aim to provide free higher education to all students from poor and middle-class families… We draw closer to our target of R1.2 trillion in new investment in the factories, mines, refineries and shops.”

An arduous journey awaits

“We enter this New Year and this new decade, encouraged by the progress we have made under difficult conditions, knowing that we still have many mountains to climb, and many treacherous rivers to cross.”

Shine bright like diamonds

“We know the enormity of the challenges that confront us, but we are united in the knowledge that we have the determination to overcome them. Just as the strongest steel is forged in fire, just as diamonds are forged deep inside the earth’s crust under the most extreme pressure, let us turn adversity into opportunity.”

Famous last words: Cyril Ramaphosa concludes his New Year Message

“By working together towards the South Africa that we all want, sparing neither strength nor courage, we will progress and we will succeed. I wish you and yours a successful and peaceful 2020. Happy New Year to you all.”

"I wish you and yours a successful and peaceful 2020.

Happy New Year to you all."

President Cyril Ramaphosa's 2020 New Year message. https://t.co/jcyxI2BrJI

— PresidencyZA (@PresidencyZA) December 31, 2019