Ramaphosa's New Year message: Conduct of one determines fate of all

- President Cyril Ramaphosa has shared a message of hope as South Africa prepares to welcome in a new year

- The leader says the setbacks didn't stop Mzansi from enjoying some historic moments

- While the path behind the nation was treacherous, Ramaphosa's eye is cast forward

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has addressed South Africa for the last time this year as the nation kicks off New Year's Eve celebrations.

2019 brought Mzansi both low and high points and Ramaphosa's speech reflected the difficult journey:

"We recommitted ourselves build a new society founded on the will of the people, in which all South Africans – black and white – truly belong. And yet, for many South Africans, the hardships endure. While our economy created jobs, these have not been nearly enough to stop the rise in unemployment or the deepening of poverty."

Violence, death and even the 'darkest forces of nature' had raged, but Mzansi had persevered:

"And so, we enter this New Year and this new decade, encouraged by the progress we have made under difficult conditions, knowing that we still have many mountains to climb, and many treacherous rivers to cross."

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South Africa will soon lead the African Union as chair, explained Ramaphosa, who is adamant many the future remains bright:

"We know only too well the enormity of the challenges that confront us, but we are united in the knowledge that we have the means and the determination to overcome them. Just as the strongest steel is forged in fire, just as diamonds are forged deep inside the earth’s crust under the most extreme pressure, let us turn adversity into opportunity."

In the spirit of Thuma Mina, the president urged each individual to do their part for the collective:

"In doing so, let us each play our part: for upon the conduct of each depends the fate of all. By working together towards the South Africa that we all want, sparing neither strength nor courage, we will progress and we will succeed. I wish you and yours a successful and peaceful 2020. Happy New Year to you all"

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Source: Briefly News