South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on citizens to engage in dialogue and collective action to address what he described as a “broken nation”, urging unity in the face of deep-rooted poverty, unemployment, and inequality. His remarks came as the government launched a nationwide public consultation process aimed at seeking solutions to the country’s most pressing challenges.

A Nation Still Divided After Apartheid

South Africa, once hailed as a beacon of hope after the end of apartheid in 1994, continues to struggle with economic and social inequalities. Despite being Africa’s most industrialised economy, the country faces widespread poverty, deteriorating infrastructure, unemployment levels hovering above 30%, and high crime rates.

Three decades since the democratic transition, millions of South Africans still live in informal settlements, lacking access to proper housing, healthcare, sanitation, and education. The persistence of inequality between rich and poor has become one of the most pressing issues facing Ramaphosa’s government.

Ramaphosa’s Call for Unity

Speaking at the launch of the public consultation, Ramaphosa emphasised the need for collective problem-solving. He urged South Africans to come together, regardless of race, class, or political affiliation, to rebuild trust and strengthen democratic institutions.

“We cannot allow our differences to divide us further,” Ramaphosa said. “The only way forward is through dialogue, understanding, and national unity. South Africa belongs to all who live in it, and together we must fix what is broken.”

His words highlighted a growing urgency as public frustration mounts over the lack of job opportunities, poor service delivery by municipalities, and corruption scandals that have eroded faith in government.

Economic and Social Realities

South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis remains one of the most severe in the world, with more than 60% of young people out of work. This has created a dangerous mix of hopelessness and anger, often expressed through protests, strikes, and social unrest.

The government is also grappling with an energy crisis, as power cuts (known locally as load-shedding) have disrupted businesses, schools, and hospitals, further deepening economic instability.

At the same time, crime levels—particularly violent crime—remain among the highest globally, fuelling insecurity and mistrust in law enforcement.

Public Consultation: A Step Toward Change

The newly launched public consultation process will involve town halls, community meetings, and policy dialogues across the country. Citizens will be invited to share their views on how to tackle poverty, inequality, and governance challenges.

Ramaphosa has said that the findings will shape government policy in the months ahead, ensuring that reforms reflect the voices of ordinary South Africans rather than being imposed from above.

Analysts, however, caution that dialogue alone will not be enough. Structural economic reforms, stronger anti-corruption measures, and targeted investments in healthcare, education, and job creation will be critical to reversing the country’s decline.

A Test of Leadership

For Ramaphosa, this initiative is not only about fixing South Africa’s social fabric but also about restoring confidence in his leadership. His presidency, which began with promises of a “new dawn,” has faced criticism for slow implementation of reforms and failure to rein in corruption and inefficiency.

If the consultation process delivers tangible outcomes, it could mark a turning point. But if it fails, public frustration could deepen, leading to further political instability and unrest.

Conclusion

Ramaphosa’s appeal for dialogue and unity comes at a decisive moment in South Africa’s post-apartheid journey. Thirty years after freedom, the country is still haunted by inequality, unemployment, and poor governance.

Whether this new effort at national consultation succeeds will depend not only on government action but also on the willingness of citizens, businesses, and political leaders to work together.

For millions of South Africans, the stakes could not be higher — the promise of democracy must now be matched with real progress in people’s daily lives.

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