Cape Town – Just over 100 days since the Government of National Unity (GNU) was sworn into office, South Africans are showing increased confidence in the country’s future, according to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s latest weekly newsletter.
Ramaphosa said that this growing optimism is being seen across society, as well as in business and investment circles.
“South Africans across society are increasingly rallying around the programme and work of the Government of National Unity,” Ramaphosa wrote.
This sentiment is backed by recent opinion polls, including one by Ipsos, which shows that the proportion of people who believe the country is headed in the right direction has doubled since surveys conducted in April and June, he said.
The president also noted that the improvement in sentiment is not limited to the general public. Business confidence is on the rise as well, with local and international investors showing increased interest in South Africa’s economic prospects.
Just over 100 days have passed since the members of the Government of National Unity were sworn into office. In that time, we have witnessed a marked increase in confidence in the direction of our country.
https://t.co/bYzZF6LmdU pic.twitter.com/Rsx7gPlm62— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) October 14, 2024
Ramaphosa pointed to his recent engagements with business leaders in Beijing and New York, as well as Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s meetings with leaders in London, as evidence of this trend.
“When investors are more optimistic about their business prospects, they are more likely to invest more capital and expand their existing operations,” Ramaphosa said, adding that this has a direct impact on people’s lives through job creation, wage growth, and further economic stimulation.
The newsletter also highlighted some of the government’s achievements in addressing pressing challenges. The President pointed out that South Africa has gone more than 200 days without load shedding, a milestone that has brought relief to both citizens and businesses. The progress in resolving the energy crisis has also unlocked unprecedented levels of investment in the energy sector.
Ramaphosa acknowledged that while it is still early in the GNU’s tenure, the foundation for sustained growth is being laid.
“Our growth prospects are being revised upwards, and we are heading in the right direction,” he said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
