Ramaphosa promises ‘energised’ new dawn 

By Zukile Majova
Political Editor

At the first sitting of South Africa’s parliament on Thursday evening, President Cyril Ramaphosa made it clear that the country is open for business and is running on overdrive to end its energy shortage problems.

Ramaphosa said he wanted to immediately reduce business costs in South Africa by ending load shedding.

The first step is the rollout of the R160-billion Just Energy Transition from coal-fired power stations to renewable energy sources.

“We will complete the most consequential transformation of South Africa’s electricity industry in more than a century.”

He said the government will review its fuel pricing formula to reduce the cost of fuel, which has resulted in skyrocketing food prices.

“We will look to expand the basket of essential food items exempt from VAT and undertake a comprehensive review of administered prices, including the fuel price formula, to identify areas where prices can be reduced.”

The president said he would turn the country into a construction site while encouraging local businesses and foreign direct investment,

“From our largest metros to our deepest rural areas, we have a clear intention to turn our country into a construction site, as roads, bridges, houses, schools, hospitals and clinics are built, as broadband fibre is laid and as new power lines are installed.”

Ramaphosa has set the Government of National Unity three priorities over the next five years:

• Drive inclusive growth and job creation.   
• Reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living.   
• Build a capable, ethical and developmental state.

Pictured above: President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses parliament.

Source: X