Ramaphosa defends his US trip amid questions over slow economic growth, rising costs, and unemployment.
President Cyril Ramaphosa faced tough questions in the National Assembly, including criticism of his United States (US) trip, his government’s failure to curb the rising cost of living, slow economic growth and the high unemployment rate in South Africa.
Ramaphosa responded to questions from members of the National Assembly on Tuesday, with economic growth and the cost of living among the issues for deliberation.
EFF criticised govt for lack of projected economic growth
While asking the president the question, EFF Treasurer-General Omphile Maotwe criticised the government for not achieving the projected economic growth.
Maotwe highlighted Ramaphosa’s failure to reduce high unemployment levels and protect the poor from rising cost of living.
“We saw you taking a trip to the US last week, and we are asking ourselves what economic strategy and economic interventions you are trying to lock in,” she asked.
Maotwe’s allocated time, however, expired, leading to a debate in the chamber between Deputy Speaker Dr Annelie Lotriet and the EFF regarding the rules and procedures. This ultimately resulted in Maotwe’s removal.
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Ramaphosa eventually addressed the question, stating that the primary aim of his trip was to restore the deteriorating relationship between South Africa and the US.
He emphasised the significance of both countries in each other’s economies and their political relations.
The president said the visit aimed to reset the relationship, as the adverse impact on South Africa’s economy was significant, particularly for the agricultural, automotive, steel, aluminium, and mining sectors.
Ramaphosa defends US trip objectives
Ramaphosa added that the second objective was to establish a process of engagement between the US and South Africa on issues such as tariffs, investments and related matters.
He said the third objective was to discuss the G20 and the importance of the United States’ engagement with the G20.
“We believe that we achieved those objectives,” Ramaphosa said. He added that the trip successfully reset the two countries’ relationship, despite media portrayals.
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The president said a meaningful discussion and lunch were held in a quiet room with President Donald Trump and his representatives. Ramaphosa added that engagements will continue through the G20 process.
Watch President Ramaphosa respond to questions in parliament here:
“We do believe that the US continues to play such a big role in the life of our economy. It was necessary and important for us to go and engage with them because many of our people’s jobs are dependent on our economic dealings with the US,” Ramaphosa said.
Regarding shielding South Africans from the high cost of living, the president acknowledged the issue of high living costs in South Africa and emphasised the government’s concern.
Govt concerned about cost of living – president
The president said macroeconomic policies, including an inflation target, have helped keep prices low and stable, reducing average prices.
He added that the government has increased social grants and provides free basic services, including water and electricity.
Ramaphosa urged municipalities to ensure these services reach those in need effectively.
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“It is therefore essential that municipalities ensure that this support reaches all the households that need it. I keep on urging municipalities to revamp their indigent registers,” he said.
The president stated that many municipalities, including Johannesburg, have not been updating their indigent registers, resulting in the misuse of allocations.
He also discussed ongoing efforts to address structural factors, including the impact of apartheid spatial planning and reforming housing policies to provide affordable housing closer to economic centres.
EFF complain about being removed
Amid the president’s answering of questions, numerous EFF members, including EFF leader Julius Malema, were removed from the chamber or the virtual platform for raising points of order.
The EFF raised points of order on the manner in which Ramaphosa responded to questions. Lotriet highlighted the removal of members, despite them having done nothing wrong, and the presence of security personnel in parliament.
“Instead of listening to what Sihle Lonzi was about to say, the deputy speaker of parliament accused him of raising ‘frivolous’ points of order and ruled that he be illegally removed from the house,” the party complained on social media.
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“I feel abused,” Ramaphosa said after more disruptions in parliament.
The president’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, also joined the conversation on social media, tweeting that members of parliament demand accountability, but when the president comes to account, they interrupt proceedings.
