South Africa: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a “state of disaster” over the country’s energy crisis during his annual “State of the Nation” (SOTN) address in Cape Town. The announcement comes 10 months after the “state of calamity” declared in the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic was lifted. Ramaphosa announced that an Energy Minister would be appointed to deal with the matter more effectively and immediately.
He said the new minister will deal with the work of the National Energy Crisis Committee and examine all aspects to deal with the energy crisis. He said: “South Africa’s energy crisis is a potential threat to our economy and social fabric. We must implement these measures immediately without delay.” In his speech on Thursday night, in addition to the power supply crisis, he mentioned various challenges, such as unemployment, crime and violence.
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The president also admitted in his state of the nation address that there was a time when he considered leaving office, but the efforts of former president Nelson Mandela inspired him to continue in office. Ramaphosa said that in the midst of the crisis facing his government and his party, the African National Congress (ANC), his conscience told him to stay in office.
He said: “My conscience always tells me to follow in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, because he made great sacrifices…” Mandela was the first democratically elected president of South Africa. Prior to this, he had spent 27 years in prison as a political prisoner of the apartheid government.
Ramaphosa concluded his speech by saying: “My conscience told me to do everything possible to make this country great… and that is exactly what I am doing.” Despite all the challenges we face, I call on all of us to contribute as much as we can to serve the people of South Africa.’ (agency)