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President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to keep their arms closed in defense against the global Covid-19 pandemic, reminding citizens that the country has known much worse and has prevailed.
Ramaphosa was addressing the nation on Freedom Day, with the country spending the day, which is filled with much historical significance, at home under lockdown due to the coronavirus.
“As we are reminded of this Freedom Day, we have tasted much worse and we have prevailed.
“Let’s keep our arms together in a defense column against this pandemic, a united people,” he said in a virtual speech Monday.
However, he acknowledged that the closure is proving to be a “month of misery” for some of the population.
“Some people have been able to endure the closure of the coronavirus in a comfortable home with a fully stocked refrigerator, private medical care, and online learning for their children.”
“For millions of people, this has been a month of misery, of breadwinners who don’t work, of families struggling to survive and of children going to bed and waking up hungry,” he said.
The president added that the social aid measures announced last week, which included an increase in the children’s subsidy, would reduce the chasm of inequality, since its objective was to help the vulnerable during this difficult period.
“This is the time when we must actively work to build a fair and equitable country.
“In South Africa, which we all love, no man, woman or child will go hungry. They will have the means to earn an income, and our social assistance programs will be combined with efforts to enable communities to grow their own food.” added.
The president also noted that the pandemic would delay the country’s efforts to tackle poverty, underdevelopment, unemployment and a weak economy.
In addition, he added that it would take a great deal of effort and resources for society and the economy to recover.
Ramaphosa further stated that when the country changes course from Covid-19, it will still face a shrinking economy, unemployment, crime and corruption, a weakened state and other pressing concerns.
“We will have to find new, exceptional and innovative ways to overcome this. It is not something that the government can do alone,” he said.
As a result, Ramaphosa called on citizens to unite and unite against disease, poverty, inequality and hunger.
“We can only overcome this crisis and rebuild our shattered economy if we work together. This year, we celebrate Freedom Day, each of us confined to our homes.
“Next year, through your determination, your courage and your actions, we will once again celebrate Freedom Day together,” he concluded.
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