Ramaphosa responds to Questions for Oral Replies by Members of the National Assembly
On Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa took to the podium in the National Assembly to respond to Questions for Oral Replies by Members of Parliament. This interaction between the President and the Members of the National Assembly is an important aspect of our democracy, allowing for accountability and transparency in government.
The session started with the President acknowledging the challenges facing our country, particularly the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted the efforts of the government in mitigating the effects of the pandemic, such as the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) and the distribution of social grants to those in need.
President Ramaphosa also addressed the issue of gender-based violence, stating that it is a national crisis that requires urgent action. He reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling this issue through various initiatives, such as the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide and the establishment of the GBV and Femicide Council.
One of the main topics of discussion during the session was the state of the economy. President Ramaphosa acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on our economy, but reassured the Members of Parliament that the government is implementing measures to stimulate economic growth and create jobs.
He highlighted the recently launched Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, which focuses on key sectors such as infrastructure development, agriculture, and manufacturing. This plan aims to create much-needed jobs and revive our struggling economy. The President also emphasized the importance of promoting local production and supporting small businesses to stimulate economic growth.
The issue of corruption was also raised during the session, with Members of Parliament questioning the government’s efforts in fighting this scourge. President Ramaphosa reaffirmed his commitment to rooting out corruption and stated that the government has taken decisive action against those implicated in corrupt activities.
He also highlighted the work of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in investigating corruption in government departments and the successful prosecution of corrupt individuals. President Ramaphosa called for the cooperation of all South Africans in the fight against corruption, stating that it is a collective responsibility.
In response to a question about the government’s efforts in securing COVID-19 vaccines, President Ramaphosa assured the Members of Parliament that the government is working tirelessly to secure vaccines for the country. He stated that negotiations are ongoing with various pharmaceutical companies and that South Africa will have access to vaccines in the coming months.
The President also addressed concerns about the slow pace of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in the country. He acknowledged the challenges and stated that the government is working to address them. He also urged South Africans to continue adhering to COVID-19 safety protocols to prevent the spread of the virus.
In conclusion, President Ramaphosa’s responses to the Questions for Oral Replies by Members of Parliament were a testament to his commitment to the well-being of all South Africans. He addressed various pressing issues and reassured the nation that the government is working tirelessly to address the challenges facing our country.
The session was a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in government, and it showcased the government’s efforts in working towards a better South Africa for all. As we navigate through these challenging times, let us all work together towards a brighter future for our beloved nation.
