ANC President Ramaphosa closes NEC Lekgotla with speech on jobs, corruption, 2021 LGE, Zuma’s parole

African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa says the party remains committed to creating jobs in the country. More than a third of South Africans are without jobs.

The youth and women are the worst affected.

Ramaphosa was speaking on Monday after the governing party’s weekend NEC Lekgotla. The ANC leader says the country also faces the challenges of crime and corruption.

But the ANC president says these challenges can be addressed with hard work and focused action. He says the fast-tracking of the digital economy is an important part of reviving the country.

Ramaphosa says the COVID-19 pandemic is adding to the challenges facing the governing party and the country. Ramaphosa added that the governing party is looking at expanding and extending the Social Relief of Distress grant to cushion the poor and unemployed from the devastation caused by COVID-19. The grant is scheduled to end in March next year. Ramaphosa says the extension will depend on the affordability.

IEC decision to reopen the registration of candidates

Ramaphosa says the party is happy at the IEC decision to reopen the registration of candidates for the upcoming local government elections. Last month the governing party failed to meet the deadline of registering all its candidates. The ANC currently enjoys a majority in over two-thirds of municipalities across the country.  Ramaphosa says participating in elections is essential to democracy.

Jacob Zuma

He also welcomed the release of former President Jacob Zuma on medical parole and has wished Zuma a speedy recovery.  Zuma who is still in hospital – was released from prison on Sunday due to ill-health. He has been sentenced to a 15-month jail term for defying the Constitutional Court order to appear before the State Capture Commission.

VIDEO: ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers NEC Lekgotla closing address