South Africans have shown true meaning of Ubuntu in 2020, says Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa said that the country had shown the true meaning of ubuntu in the face of unprecedented uncertainty and loss.
In his New Year’s Eve message delivered on Thursday afternoon, Ramaphosa said that it had been a year of great sacrifice as many in the country had experienced personal and economic costs due to COVID-19.
The country is currently under lockdown level 3.
President Ramaphosa has praised the country’s ability to mobilize resources quickly under difficult conditions.
He said that this reflected the true meaning of ubuntu, which saw many coming together and taking responsibility for one another.
“By donating our time, energy, and resources…”
He said that while it had been a year of uncertainty, it had also been one of great pain, worry, and loss.
“Many have been worried for their jobs, many have struggled to make a living, nearly all South Africans have had to spend time separated from their loved ones.”
He said that as the year wrapped up, the country must mourn the loss of those who had succumbed to COVID-19.
Ramaphosa also lauded South Africans’ response to COVID-19, while he insisted that the country remained resolute in its fight against both the pandemic and gender-based violence.
While South Africa is currently in the second wave of the pandemic, numerous incidents of violence against women and children have also dominated headlines this year.
Most of this year has seen the country under a lockdown, yet incidents of rape and other s.e.xual offences have increased.
He once again thanked healthcare and social workers for the work being done to assist those in need.
“… for taking care of people who are ill, hungry, or lonely. Even as the year draws to an end in hospitals and other facilities across the nation, committed health workers are caring for the sick in the face of a severe resurgence of infections.”
-EWN
In other news – We are not your children – Somizi responds to Bheki Cele’s 9pm sleeping time order (Video)
‘We are not your children and we will never be them’, these are some of the few words from Somizi’s response to police boss Bheki Cele.
Somizi Mhlongo shuns Bheki Cele’s order on South Africans sleeping by 9 pm on December 31st, which ought to be a day of celebration for crossing over into 2021. Learn More
