President Cyril Ramaphosa made a rare appearance in the National Assembly this week as he answered questions from opposition party members. Questions ranged from lifestyle audits conducted for members of the executive, to the financial and economic benefits South Africa could gain from being a member of the BRICS association.
The question period was punctuated by President Ramaphosa’s apologies for the delay in concluding lifestyle audits for members of the executive, something that has been repeatedly promised by the government since 2019. Lifestyle audits are an important tool in preventing corruption within the government and ensuring that members of the executive use public funds responsibly.
The President spoke of his commitment to tackling corruption in the public service, and of the various steps that have been taken to ensure transparency in the use of public funds. He was quick to acknowledge that while progress has been made on this front, more needs to be done.
The President also commented on South Africa’s membership of the BRICS association, noting that the country had benefitted significantly from its association with the global economic powers in the group. He noted that South Africa had seen an increase in foreign direct investment and that its diplomatic relations with other countries had been strengthened as a result. He also highlighted the fact that South Africa had become part of a larger, global economy, which has allowed the country to play a more prominent role in global economic discussions.
In making his points, the President highlighted the importance of South Africa’s role in the world, and noted that it was through collaboration with other countries that the country could continue to grow. He spoke of the need to increase exports and broaden the country’s trading partners, and discussed some of the measures the government had taken to improve the country’s overall economic outlook.
Overall, President Ramaphosa spoke of the need for South Africa to continue to strive towards economic growth. He noted the importance of investing in education and health care, as well as improving the country’s infrastructure in order to attract foreign investment. He also stressed the need for a strong government, with a clear direction and focus.
President Ramaphosa’s appearance in the National Assembly was an important one, as it allowed the country to gain an insight into the direction he wished to take South Africa in. His comments on the need for good governance and financial accountability, as well as the country’s benefits from BRICS membership, will no doubt be seen as very positive by both the South African public and the international community.
It is clear that President Ramaphosa will continue to work towards making South Africa an attractive destination for foreign investment and international collaboration, and that the country will benefit from its association with the BRICS association in the long term.
