.Says discord, dissent won’t derail democratic course

South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has declared his administration’s resolve to work according to the people’s wish, vowing that “neither discord nor dissent shall cause us to cast aside that which calls us to build a united, free, just, equal, and prosperous nation.”

 
In his inauguration speech, yesterday, at a ceremony in Pretoria attended by President Bola Tinubu, and other heads of government across the globe, he expressed readiness to serve the people.
 
Ramaphosa was sworn in for a second full term as President of one of Africa’s biggest economies after his ruling African National Congress (ANC) struck a coalition deal .
 
“We affirm our resolute quest to build a growing and inclusive economy that offers opportunities and livelihoods to all people. We rededicate ourselves to the task of democratic renewal as well as social and economic transformation, so that no one is left behind.
 
“As we enter another era in the life of our nation, the resilience of our democracy has, once more, been tested and the people have spoken loudly that they choose peace and democracy over violent, undemocratic and unconstitutional methods. In their multitude, in voices that are many and diverse, the people of South Africa have voted and made known their wishes, concerns and expectations,” he stated.
 
According to him, the voters of South Africa did not give any single party the mandate to govern the country alone; they directed the elected to work together to address their plight and realise their aspirations.
 
Noting that the people appreciated the progress the government made in many areas of their lives, he also said they were unequivocal in expressing their disappointment and disapproval of his regime’s performance in some of the areas it failed them.
 
On the people’s expectation from their leaders, he said: “They want a transformed, growing and inclusive economy that creates jobs for millions of job seekers and offers business opportunities to entrepreneurs. They want a South Africa in which all may find shelter in our democratic constitution and may find protection in our courts.

They have described a country in which all may rise above the circumstances of their birth, nurtured by loving families, aided by a caring state and empowered by initiative, will and hard work.
 
“Through their votes, they have made clear that they want the necessities of a comfortable, happy, healthy and secure life. They also want enough food, clean water and affordable electricity at all times. They want decent homes that keep out the wind, rain and weather. They want well-maintained roads and street lights that work.”
  
Ramaphosa did not skip the people’s demand for an end to corruption, political bickering and the endless blame game among politicians and political parties.