As South Africa, and the world, celebrates Nelson Mandela Day on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa is viewing it it as an opportunity to remember that the problems facing the country can be overcome.

In his weekly letter to the nation he stated that the country faced a difficult time, as it saw itself  in the midst of an energy crisis and as it dealt with a spate of violent crimes.

“Even as our economy is recovering from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, poverty and unemployment are taking a heavy toll on millions who are struggling to make ends meet. Corruption has eaten away at our nation’s soul and has severely eroded the social compact between the state and citizens. Nelson Mandela Day is an opportunity to remember that these problems, like so many we have faced before, are not insurmountable. They can be overcome,” he said.

He hoped South Africans would see Nelson Mandela Day as an opportunity to recommit themselves to uphold the values former President Nelson Mandela stood for and to build the South Africa Madiba dedicated his life to.

He said Mandela always reminded citizens that there was "no easy walk to freedom" and that everybody shared a common responsibility for nation-building.

“In honour of the birthday of the founding father of our democracy, we are called on to dedicate 67 minutes to doing good works, serving others and making a difference in our communities. At a time when so much of the world is beset by hardship and strife, we are inspired by Madiba’s words that ‘it is in our hands to make a difference and to make the world a better place’,” Ramaphosa said.

CIVIL SOCIETY

Ramaphosa went on to highlight the contribution that community-based, faith-based and grassroots organisations had made in defence of human rights, the country’s Constitution and the interests of citizens.

He stated that when the State faltered, civil society reminded citizens of the obligation to advance the ideals for which Madiba and generations of freedom fighters made sacrifices for. 

Ramaphosa welcomed the programme for democratic renewal, launched by a group of civil society organisations earlier this month, which called for people’s power to be re-ignited. 

It was a call for communities to organise and mobilise around economic inclusion, social and climate justice and ethical behaviour, he said.

“Many civil society organisations are rooted in communities and have the keenest appreciation of the struggles of the people. Engaging and working with government to overcome the challenges in the country’s society is what participatory democracy is all about,” he said.

Ramaphosa explained that during the Covid-19 pandemic, this collaboration between government, civil society and other social partners was instrumental to provide support to society’s most vulnerable. He said such partnerships were vital as South Africa strived to rebuild its economy.