WATCH: President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses to the nation on agrarian reform, the economy



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Tuesday evening, President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a speech recorded to South Africans on the results of NEC lekgotla [469] of the ruling party in Irene Read the full text of Ramaphosa's speech:

] Comrades and Friends,

The African National Congress has just concluded a two-day NEC Lekgotla in Tshwane.

The Lekgotla focused on a number of issues, including the current state of our economy, job creation and agrarian reform.

He then engaged on issues of governance, social development and broader transformation that will be developed by the Secretary General tomorrow. (Wednesday)

We thought it was important that the president of the ANC clearly and unambiguously articulates the position of the organization on two issues vital to the economic development of our country and the well-being of the organization. his people.

The first is the implementation of the resolution of the ANC on agrarian reform.

The second concerns the current economic environment.
 

On agrarian reform, the ANC applauds our people, including the rural poor, farm workers, the unemployed, the landless, urban dwellers, farmers, and traditional chiefs, for expressing their opinion on this issue. critical matter.

Our people have expressed their views on the land issue openly and without any fear or favor.

They proposed solutions on how the land issue can be resolved.

This is the constitutional democracy for which we fought.

The ANC reaffirms its position that the Constitution is a mandate for radical transformation of society and the economy.

A correct reading of the Constitution on the property clause allows the state to carry out expropriation of the land with fair and equitable compensation and also the expropriation without compensation in the public interest.

It has become clear that our people want the Constitution to be more explicit about land expropriation without compensation, as has been demonstrated in public hearings.

A number of South Africans are also increasingly likely to think that the Constitution as it stands does not prevent the expropriation of land without compensation.

Lekgotla reaffirmed that a comprehensive agrarian reform program allowing equitable access to land would unlock economic growth, increasing land use in South Africa and enabling productive participation millions of other South Africans.

As a result, the ANC will finalize, through the parliamentary process, a constitutional amendment proposal that more clearly sets out the conditions under which land expropriation without compensation can be effected.

The intention of this amendment proposal is to promote repair, promote economic development, increase agricultural production and food security.

It will also transform unfair space realities in urban areas.

To accelerate agrarian reform, the ANC also urged the government to urgently launch programs to support farmers in disadvantaged areas before the first rains of this year.

This should include support to farmers with tools, tractors, fertilizers, seeds, extension services, finance and access to key infrastructure.

Our economy faces serious challenges. Recent figures on unemployment are worrying.

Given this economic environment, Lekgotla called on the government to urgently develop and implement a stimulus package to boost growth and create jobs, especially for youth and youth. women

. rural communities and townships.

This stimulus package will be based on existing budgetary resources and the pursuit of new investments while remaining committed to fiscal prudence.

It will include, among others, the following:

* Increased investment in public infrastructure.

* Increased support for entrepreneurship and employment for youth and women, as well as for small and medium-sized businesses.

* Trade support measures for sectors such as sugar and products subject to strong import surges

* Ensure that markets are location-centric

* Training of unemployed South African youth with the skills to compete in a rapidly changing economy.

As ANC deployers to the government, we are committed to the work of developing this stimulus starting now to spur growth, tackle unemployment and mitigate the effects of the rising cost of living.

We call on all South Africans to work with us in the development of a social compact for economic inclusion, economic growth and jobs for all.

Thank you.

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