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JOHANNESBURG – President Cyril Ramaphosa has wished all South Africans a happy and healthy New Year.
He said COVID-19 devastated lives and destroyed livelihoods.
“There is no corner of the earth, nor part of our country, that has not been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. It has devastated lives and destroyed livelihoods, caused great pain and left many people hungry and helpless.”
The president said that the pandemic has also demonstrated South Africans’ capacity for cooperation, solidarity and shared effort.
“Our continent, under the leadership of the African Union, came together to develop a common response to this pandemic and found an innovative way to ensure that all countries have access to essential medical supplies.
“We have gone out to the rest of the world to advocate for debt relief and mobilize funds for Africa’s response to the coronavirus and for its economic recovery.
“Faced with this unprecedented crisis, South Africans have demonstrated the true meaning of ubuntu. ‘”
The president acknowledged the loss of life caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and gender-based violence, and said that “as this year draws to a close, we regret the loss of family, friends, colleagues and neighbors who succumbed to the COVID-19 “. .
“As a nation, we mourn the loss of several eminent South Africans and people from all walks of life.”
“Even when the coronavirus hit us, we had to face another pandemic that has plagued our nation for a long time.
“We regret the many women and children who lost their lives at the hands of men.
“We think of the many more who have endured rape and beatings, abusive relationships and sexual harassment.”
“We think of the many children who have been injured and traumatized by adults, the very people who are responsible for their well-being and safety.
“And yet, in the face of these two pandemics, South Africans have stood firm, determined to overcome the coronavirus and determined to end gender-based violence.”
