Cyril Ramaphosa

South Africa’s ANC marks its 112th year with an eye on national elections, but its record is patchy and future uncertain

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, January 17, 2024

The annual January 8 statement, unsurprisingly, was a 30 year self-assessment and is self-congratulatory.

Key Points: 
  • The annual January 8 statement, unsurprisingly, was a 30 year self-assessment and is self-congratulatory.
  • He pointed out that the ANC had, over its 30 years in power, put in place the building blocks of a social democratic state.


a constitution that guarantees human rights to all South Africans and is much admired around the world
protecting workers’ rights, promoting investment and economic development and providing a legal framework for black economic empowerment
an active role for South Africa on the international stage, and solidarity with people struggling for their rights and striving for a just world order.
Assuming the moral high ground by supporting the cause of Palestine was a reminder of the ANC that once won the hearts of many South Africans and international supporters: principled and standing up for justice, as it had done in the struggle against apartheid. Ramaphosa highlighted the oft-repeated statistics reflecting “delivery” by the ANC-led government since 1994:
4.7 million houses have been built and provided “mahala” (for free) to South Africans, including houses allocated to nearly 2 million women
89% of households now have access to water and 85% have access to electricity
more than 28 million people are beneficiaries of social grants aimed at alleviating poverty.

  • But the ANC stood resolute in addressing the stubborn legacy of colonialism, apartheid and patriarchy.
  • Read more:
    Factionalism and corruption could kill the ANC -- unless it kills both first

    Not much was said about these mistakes.

Despair and frustration

  • The perception that South Africa has been unsuccessful in the fight against corruption has dented the country’s image, and lessened its international leverage and stature.
  • Read more:
    Book predicts ANC’s last decade of political dominance in South Africa

    There is a mood of despair over high levels of crime and violence.

  • There is also widespread frustration over crumbling infrastructure and poor service delivery.
  • The largest opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, has struck a deal with like-minded parties in the hope of unseating the ANC.

Wooing young voters

  • The 2024 general election may become the battle for the soul of the young voter.
  • If that is the case, then the ANC needs a fresh image, one less reliant on its history as a liberation movement.
  • He acknowledged the positive role of the youth in society, and commended the ANC Youth League for their inputs in shaping the statement.


beneficiation of raw materials
reindustrialisation of the economy
the energy crisis
the climate crisis
the quality of public services.
These items are already on the ANC’s policy programme being implemented in government. So if the party had been more astute, the January 8 statement could have indicated, especially to its younger constituency, what would be done differently this time round. As it is, these items also feature high on the list of priorities of other political parties, including those formed in recent months.

Bravado amid disillusionment

  • The ANC, through its January 8 statement, put on a show of bravado.
  • However, it would be foolhardy of it to ignore the fact that the political terrain has shifted.
  • Even long-serving members within its ranks have become disillusioned with the party, as evidenced by the recent resignation of ANC veteran Mavuso Msimang, who later retracted his decision.


Sandy Africa does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

EQS-News: African Energy Chamber: Understanding South Africa’s Energy Crisis (By NJ Ayuk)

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 22, 2023

By NJ Ayuk, the Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber ( www.EnergyChamber.org ) and Author of A Just Transition: Making Energy Poverty History with an Energy Mix

Key Points: 
  • By NJ Ayuk, the Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber ( www.EnergyChamber.org ) and Author of A Just Transition: Making Energy Poverty History with an Energy Mix
    Witnessing the far-reaching effects of South Africa’s continuing power cuts has been tremendously disheartening.
  • At the root of South Africa’s energy crisis are the country’s coal-fired power plants, which are responsible for generating about 95% of the country’s electricity.
  • Last October, the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) made “load-shedding” the 2022 South African Word of the Year.
  • South Africa’s energy challenges will be front and center at African Energy Week scheduled to take place on 16-20 October in Cape Town.

Ivanhoe Mines Congratulates Felix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, on His Appointment as Chairperson of the African Union

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 8, 2021

President Tshisekedi takes over the position from Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, who has concluded his one-year term as Chairperson.

Key Points: 
  • President Tshisekedi takes over the position from Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, who has concluded his one-year term as Chairperson.
  • The African Union consists of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent.
  • The African Union spearheads Africa's development and integration in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens.
  • "On behalf of everyone at Ivanhoe Mines, we congratulate President Tshisekedi on this prestigious appointment.

Computer Centre Donated by Hengtong Aberdare was Launched in Siqongweni

Retrieved on: 
Friday, August 9, 2019

The provision of the computer centre, which is donated by Hengtong Group Aberdare Cables, was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during his visit to the school in January this year.

Key Points: 
  • The provision of the computer centre, which is donated by Hengtong Group Aberdare Cables, was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during his visit to the school in January this year.
  • Siqongweni High School is one of the highest performing schools in the country with an 84% matric pass rate.
  • We strongly believe that the computer centre facility in Siqongweni High School will serve this purpose as we aim to advance and revolutionize our basic education in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
  • The provision of the computer centre, which is donated by Hengtong Group Aberdare Cables was launched in Siqongweni High School.

Vedanta Limited: H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa Opens Vedanta's Gamsberg Mine

Retrieved on: 
Friday, March 1, 2019

MUMBAI, India, March 1, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --President Cyril Ramaphosa today officially opened Vedanta Zinc International's (VZI) Gamsberg mine, outside Aggeneys in South Africa's Northern Cape Province.

Key Points: 
  • MUMBAI, India, March 1, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --President Cyril Ramaphosa today officially opened Vedanta Zinc International's (VZI) Gamsberg mine, outside Aggeneys in South Africa's Northern Cape Province.
  • President Ramaphosa was joined by Minister of Mineral Resources Mr Gwede Mantashe, Northern Cape Premier Mrs Sylvia Lucas, and hosted by Vedanta Chairman Mr Anil Agarwal, Vedanta CEO Mr Srinivasan Venkatakrishnan, and VZI CEO, Deshnee Naidoo.
  • Phase 1 of Gamsberg, celebrated today, represents a US$400 million investment by Vedanta in South Africa.
  • Vedanta's CEO, Mr Srinivasan Venkatakrishnan reflected on his time in the South African mining industry, and the pride he felt as President Ramaphosa opened Gamsberg.

Vedanta Limited: H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa Opens Vedanta's Gamsberg Mine

Retrieved on: 
Friday, March 1, 2019

MUMBAI, India, March 1, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --President Cyril Ramaphosa today officially opened Vedanta Zinc International's (VZI) Gamsberg mine, outside Aggeneys in South Africa's Northern Cape Province.

Key Points: 
  • MUMBAI, India, March 1, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --President Cyril Ramaphosa today officially opened Vedanta Zinc International's (VZI) Gamsberg mine, outside Aggeneys in South Africa's Northern Cape Province.
  • President Ramaphosa was joined by Minister of Mineral Resources Mr Gwede Mantashe, Northern Cape Premier Mrs Sylvia Lucas, and hosted by Vedanta Chairman Mr Anil Agarwal, Vedanta CEO Mr Srinivasan Venkatakrishnan, and VZI CEO, Deshnee Naidoo.
  • Phase 1 of Gamsberg, celebrated today, represents a US$400 million investment by Vedanta in South Africa.
  • Vedanta's CEO, Mr Srinivasan Venkatakrishnan reflected on his time in the South African mining industry, and the pride he felt as President Ramaphosa opened Gamsberg.

Hengtong Aberdare Recommits to Assisting Students in South Africa

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 29, 2019

IMBALI, South Africa, Jan. 29, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Hengtong Aberdare (Aberdare), a subsidiary of Hengtong Group, an innovation leader in China that focuses on fiber optic, electrical and technical network construction and operations, has pledged to donate a hi-tech computer center ("the Center") to the Siqongweni Secondary School in Imbali Township, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.

Key Points: 
  • IMBALI, South Africa, Jan. 29, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Hengtong Aberdare (Aberdare), a subsidiary of Hengtong Group, an innovation leader in China that focuses on fiber optic, electrical and technical network construction and operations, has pledged to donate a hi-tech computer center ("the Center") to the Siqongweni Secondary School in Imbali Township, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
  • The announcement came during a visit to the school by Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, along with a high-level delegation.
  • Dr. Haiyan Song, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Aberdare, was part of the delegation and said, "Aberdare is committed to improving the lives of the people in the areas that we operate.
  • As part of this initiative, in August 2018, Aberdare donated e-learning tablets to several schools in Pietermaritzburg including Siqongweni Secondary School.

New Development Bank Concludes Successful Participation at BRICS Summit 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa

Retrieved on: 
Friday, July 27, 2018

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, July 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The tenth BRICS Summit concluded today at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, during which the New Development Bank showcased its growing support for the sustainable economic development of the BRICS countries.

Key Points: 
  • JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, July 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The tenth BRICS Summit concluded today at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, during which the New Development Bank showcased its growing support for the sustainable economic development of the BRICS countries.
  • July 26- NDB President met Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of the Republic of South Africa, in Johannesburg to discuss joint projects and the future role of the Bank in South Africa.
  • Through its active participation in the BRICS Summit, the Bank reaffirmed its determination to expand its role as an innovative and reliable development partner to all BRICS countries in the year ahead, increasing its support for all member nations to achieve their development agendas.
  • Project approvals: With a focus on infrastructure and sustainable development, the Bank approved one loan for South Africa and one for China in the run-up to the BRICS Summit.