President Cyril Ramaphosa says unity within the tripartite alliance will not be an overnight process, and they are continuing to work at it. Ramaphosa was speaking on the sidelines of the South African Communist Party’s 14th Congress Central Committee currently under way in Braamfontein.
Leading up to the African National Congress’ 54th National Elective Conference in Nasrec, the alliance was riddled with divisions. This is leading to the communist party contemplating to contest national elections. Ramaphosa says the alliance is more strengthened as compared to last year.
“The alliance after Nasrec is feeling much more united. The alliance components are feeling that this new period that we are in gives us the opportunity to strengthen the alliance. Because out of Nasrec, we were able to come up with decisions that give us the instrument to be able to deal with what was making us differ. For instance issues of corruption, state capture, where we might have had different approaches and views.”
Ramaphosa has also reflected on his visit to Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, saying the Arch now has a renewed confidence in the country and the direction it is taking.
The President paid – Tutu and his wife, Leah – a courtesy visit at their home in Hermanus near Cape Town. He also apologised to the Archbishop for circumstances which led to him losing confidence in government, and promised to correct the wrongs.
Ramaphosa says they are now beginning to mend relationships which have been dented.
“There was a distance that was developed between the ANC and a number of formations in our country, and what we have been doing since the new leadership was elected is to go around and in some cases mend relations. It was wonderful to meet Archbishop Desmond Tutu and just hear him say, that he is now very positive about the developments in the country. He has got renewed confidence in the way that the country is going.” Click below for more on the story:
