‘Fellow South Africans’: When will Cyril Ramaphosa address the nation again?

Since Cyril Ramaphosa last made an address to us as a nation, we were in a different level of lockdown, no outdoor exercise was allowed, and we all thought that cigarettes were going back on sale. Oh, what a difference almost three weeks can make…

Level 4 lockdown – latest news and updates

There have been some murmurs of discontent in the past few days, as more people question when we’ll hear from the president again. Ramaphosa hasn’t exactly gone off the radar, but we’re hearing less from him after the transition into Level 4 of lockdown.

When will we see him again? Well, that’s just one of the many questions we’ve decided to help give an answer to. With millions of us stuck inside for at least 21 hours a day, a good old-fashioned presidential address is an event to look forward to – even if they’re a little more ‘few and far between’ these days.

‘Fellow South Africans’: Presidential address updates

When did Cyril Ramaphosa last address the nation?

The last time we heard from Cyril via a televised address was on Thursday 24 April 2020 – some 19 days ago. This was to announce the transition from lockdown Level 5 into Level 4 the following week. Since then, various ministers have held live briefings – but Ramaphosa has taken a backseat from these particular duties.

Is Cyril Ramaphosa updating the nation at all?

Yes. Although his televised addresses have been at a premium, he’s hardly been the shy and retiring type. Ramaphosa continues to attend various engagements and remains in frequent contact with the media. However, his lack of airtime has created a perception that he’s gone missing. But, if you want to stay updated with the president:

• You can follow his weekly newsletters, published every Monday.
• He is a clear communicator on Twitter, through both his personal and presidential accounts
• There is also a government website that details his latest activities, speeches and commitments.

Why doesn’t the president address South Africans more often?

Quite simply, Ramaphosa is only saved for the major announcements. This in itself gives more weight to the broad-based, overreaching developments that everyone needs to hear. Having the president announce every little change and update to lockdown laws may ‘dilute’ the importance of other addresses.

“When there are major announcements to be made that govern various regulations that are expected in various levels of lockdown, then the ministers will make way for the president.”

Jackson Mthembu

When will Cyril Ramaphosa address South Africa again?

If our current period of lockdown is extended, or we are moved into a different level of restrictions, that is when we are likely to get another televised appearance. However, these rules are fluid. If Ramaphosa deems it necessary to speak with the nation, he can arrange a briefing – about any matter of his choosing – on the day. With talks of shifting to Level 3 currently underway, Cyril may address us again in the next two weeks.

“Other presidents may appear in public at regular intervals, but ours ‘speaks to us when it is necessary’. Like when he gives broad guidelines on lockdown information, for example.”

Jackson Mthembu

Does the government think it can communicate more clearly?

Nah. The Acting Director-General at Government Communication Information Services, Phumla Williams, has gone to great lengths to explain why the ANC are patting themselves on the back, here:

“We have packaged the Department of Health messages into pamphlets to cater for various communities in their relevant languages to ensure that government information regarding the pandemic is understood by all South Africans. We’ve taken advantage of SABC radio stations “to reach rural communities… “

“We have secured talk shows on community radio stations to extend the reach of our communication and we have also beamed all media briefings by government to rural community radio. In addition to that, we have utilised the loud hailers and drones to reach far-flung rural areas.”

Phumla Williams