by SAVIOUS KWINIKA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to use Nelson Mandela International Day as a catalyst for sustained action against poverty and inequality, saying the responsibility to build a more just society rests with every citizen.
Ahead of Mandela Day on Saturday, Ramaphosa urged South Africans to dedicate 67 minutes to community service while renewing their commitment to addressing the systemic challenges that continue to affect millions.
“This year, we ask every South African to heed that call,” Ramaphosa said.
“Let us give our 67 minutes through acts of service that feed the hungry, comfort the lonely or support the elderly. Let us lend our skills and time to the organisations that serve our communities every day.”
He said such acts transformed lives but stressed that former President Nelson Mandela had viewed the fight against poverty as an issue of justice rather than charity.
“On this Mandela Day, let us also recommit ourselves to the difficult task of ending poverty and inequality in our country and in our world,” Ramaphosa said.
The President said South Africa remained committed to tackling inequality both domestically and internationally, including through reforms to global financial institutions and stronger support for developing countries facing the effects of climate change.
He noted that South Africa had placed inequality high on the international agenda during its G20 Presidency and was working with global partners to establish an International Panel on Inequality to monitor disparities, assess their impact and recommend policy solutions.
“No nation can overcome inequality alone; we need coordinated multilateral action, rooted in solidarity and shared responsibility,” Ramaphosa said.
Domestically, he said government would continue investing in education, healthcare and skills development while strengthening social protection programmes and creating opportunities for employment and livelihoods.
Ramaphosa said economic growth, worker protection and an investment-friendly regulatory environment remained essential to reducing poverty and narrowing inequality.
He emphasised that acts of service on Mandela Day should complement long-term efforts to strengthen institutions, reform policies and expand economic opportunities.
“Madiba taught us that building a just, caring and inclusive society is not the work of governments alone. It is the work of ordinary people performing extraordinary acts of compassion, courage and service,” Ramaphosa said.
Quoting Mandela, the President concluded: “It is now in your hands.”
– CAJ News