President Cyril Ramaphosa says while South Africa has made notable strides in advancing human rights since the end of apartheid, many citizens are yet to fully benefit from the country’s constitutional democracy.
Ramaphosa was speaking in the Northern Cape on Saturday during the commemoration of Human Rights Day, observed annually in remembrance of the Sharpeville Massacre, where 69 people were killed by police during a peaceful protest against apartheid pass laws.
The president highlighted improvements in access to basic services, noting that more than 80% of the population now has access to clean water and sanitation. He added that over two million low-income households receive free basic services, while more than 800,000 students from disadvantaged backgrounds accessed free higher education in the past year.
Ramaphosa also pointed to efforts to restore cultural dignity, including initiatives in parts of the Northern Cape such as Kuboes and Riemvasmaak in the Richtersveld, where indigenous Nama language education has been reintroduced after years of suppression under apartheid and colonial rule.
“There can be no doubt that over the past 30 years, we have done much to restore the dignity of millions of South Africans,” he said.
However, the president acknowledged that significant challenges remain. High levels of poverty, unemployment and inequality continue to limit equal access to opportunities and basic services.
He defended government policies such as employment equity and land restitution, saying they are critical to addressing historical injustices and restoring dignity.
Ramaphosa also cited corruption, administrative weaknesses and resource constraints as factors slowing progress in delivering on constitutional commitments.
“These shortcomings have meant we are not as far along as we had hoped. Economic inequality continues to challenge the promise of dignity for all,” he said.
He added that the Government of National Unity remains focused on driving inclusive economic growth, creating jobs, reducing poverty and the cost of living, and building a capable and ethical state.