New Year messages from ANC, EFF, DA: Hope, health – and a warning for Cele

Congratulations to anyone who is reading this. You survived 2020, and made it through to a New Year that simply has to better than the one we’ve just endured. The three major political parties in South Africa have shared their best wishes on 1 January, as the ANC, EFF, and DA all went with some very diverse messages. You can read them here.

New Year messages from our political leaders…

ANC: Ramaphosa realistic about ‘challenging year ahead’

“The year ahead will be challenging and difficult. We are in the midst of a second wave of coronavirus infections, which may be even worse than the first wave. And while we are greatly encouraged by the progress made in developing an effective vaccine, we know that it will be some time before the pandemic ends.”

“The year ahead will therefore require our greatest effort and resilience. The past year has shown what we are capable of when we are united and when we work together for the good of all. It is this spirit that will carry us into the new year, and which will enable us to prevail and to prosper. I wish you a happy and healthy 2021.”

Cyril Ramaphosa

EFF: Party sound ‘New Year warning’ to Bheki Cele

“May 2021 be a year where we disabuse ourselves from corruption, white supremacy, and poverty, that continues to define our great nation and continent. Let us use 2021 to consolidate the country and the continent towards independence, economic prosperity, and political stability.”

“It has been a year of great difficulty. As we cross-over into 2021, we encourage people to celebrate whichever way they deem it fit. There is no law against cross-over traditions such as the use of fireworks well into midnight. The tin-pot dictator Bheki Cele must be undermined in his efforts to infantilize citizens.”

EFF statement

DA: John Steenhuisen focusing on the positives

“May this year be the one where we restore hope. We must ensure all health protocols are followed, and as we usher in the new year, we hope that South Africa will leave behind the losses and hardship endured in 2020 and look forward to the bright and prosperous future that our country so deserves.”

John Steenhuisen

Happy New Year 🎉

"As we usher in the new year, we hope that South Africa will leave behind the losses and hardship endured in 2020 and look forward to the bright and prosperous future that our country so deserves." – @jsteenhuisen

Message from the DA Leader.#NewYearsEve pic.twitter.com/Z73Po7n2lc

— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) December 31, 2020