South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eradicating poverty, citing collective action and sweeping reforms as pivotal tools in addressing one of the nation’s most entrenched challenges. Speaking to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Cape Town, Ramaphosa invoked the historical legacy of colonial and apartheid oppression as central to the deep-rooted poverty that persists in the country today.
In his annual address, delivered under the thematic focus of reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living, Ramaphosa drew on the enduring words of Nelson Mandela, asserting, “Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings.”
This rhetorical flourish set the stage for a substantive discussion of his government’s progress in alleviating poverty since the twilight of apartheid in 1994. Ramaphosa noted that, in 1993, an estimated 71% of South Africans lived below the poverty line. By 2010, that figure had dropped to 61%, declining further to 56% in 2020. Yet, these gains mask stubborn realities: nearly a quarter of the population still suffers from food poverty, and unemployment, particularly among the youth, remains alarmingly high.
Ramaphosa framed the eradication of poverty and inequality as requiring “fundamental social and economic transformation.” He stressed the necessity of immediate, impactful interventions alongside long-term structural reforms to build an inclusive economy capable of sustaining reductions in poverty over time.
Key to these efforts, he asserted, are reforms across strategic sectors. The restoration of commuter train services—a lifeline for low-income households—was cited as one tangible example aimed at alleviating financial pressures. Parallel initiatives in energy, water, telecommunications, and transport are intended to catalyse broader economic growth while ensuring equitable access to basic services.
Education emerged as the cornerstone of his policy framework, described by Ramaphosa as “the most powerful instrument we have to end poverty.” By equipping young South Africans with skills and capabilities, the government aims to disrupt intergenerational cycles of poverty and enhance the nation’s global competitiveness.
Looking beyond South Africa’s borders, Ramaphosa underscored the importance of international solidarity in the fight against poverty. As the country assumes the G20 presidency under the theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability,” the president pledged to leverage this platform to champion global partnerships aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). His remarks highlighted a commitment to ensuring that “no one is left behind,” reflecting the global dimensions of poverty and inequality.
Despite these aspirations, Ramaphosa candidly acknowledged the enormity of the task. “Poverty, unemployment, and inequality are so pervasive and so persistent that we sometimes fear we may never overcome them,” he admitted. However, in a tone both pragmatic and resolute, he reminded his audience of South Africa’s historical triumphs over slavery, colonialism, and apartheid. “Through our collective actions, we will be able to end poverty in our country.”
While the address struck a balance between acknowledging past achievements and recognising present shortcomings, it also signalled an urgent call to action. Ramaphosa’s vision, steeped in both realism and optimism, offered a rallying cry for a nation striving to chart a more equitable future.
