South Africa has achieved a great deal in the space of a generation – but much more needs to be done to achieve the high ideals of the Freedom Charter and realise the aspirations of the constitution.in his exclusive SABC, reflecting on the country’s democratic journey.
Choosing to describe the country’s progress as a half-full glass, Ramaphosa says in efforts to undo the damage wrought by colonialism and apartheid – considerable achievements were made in the last thirty years of South Africa’s democracy.He cited progress made in education, saying it was on this issue that a deliberate strategy was employed to destroy the country’s black majority.
The President says government is working to improve the quality of education, and schools’ infrastructure and lower the dropout rate.On mining, Ramaphosa indicated that trade unions and government have worked hard in the last few decades to improve the lives of these workers.Ramaphosa says he continues to support the efforts of mineworkers to agitate for better working conditions and wages.
With reference to the August 2012 Marikana Massacre at Lonmin Mine – where he was a non-executive Director, Ramaphosa denies contributing to the exploitation of the striking workers as well as the shooting down of 34 people by police.