President Cyril Ramaphosa noted on Monday that for government to end poverty, it needs an economy that grows, attracts investment, creates jobs and allows new companies to emerge and thrive.

Ramaphosa wrote in his weekly letter to the nation that the provision of comprehensive social protection will not, on its own, end poverty or inequality in the country’s society.

This month, South Africans will celebrate the life and work of former President Nelson Mandela, on Mandela Day on July 18.

“In everything we do this month to honour the founding father of our nation, let us recall his observation that, while poverty persists, there is no true freedom. Since the advent of democracy, we have dedicated great effort and resources towards alleviating poverty and reducing inequality. Through its substantial social protection programmes, government has provided vital support to millions of South Africans, lifting many out of extreme poverty and meeting many of their basic needs,” he said.

Ramaphosa said social protection in South Africa goes far beyond the provision of social grants for the elderly, children, people with disabilities and military veterans.

He added that it goes beyond the work of the Unemployment Insurance Fund, which provides income support for unemployed workers, or the Compensation Fund, which supports those involved in workplace accidents.

“It encompasses all support provided to South Africans, mainly the poor, through what has become known as the ‘social wage’. This includes the provision of free basic services, health care, basic education, higher education, social housing and transport,” he said.

Ramaphosa explained that the country’s policies and programmes needed to work together to build an inclusive economy and provide social protection to the poor and unemployed.

He added that a growing economy provided the funds government needed to strengthen its social protection measures, and that the support that poor people received, especially through access to education and health, enabled them to better contribute to that economy.

“Because expansion of social protection can only take place at the pace and scale the fiscus can afford, we are focused on growing our economy and developing sustainable solutions to support pro-poor spending. Through an integrated and comprehensive system of social support, we are not only meeting our collective responsibility to the most vulnerable in society, we are also investing in our country’s future,” he said.