President Ramaphosa describes 2024 as a year of change and progress

In his New Year’s message, President Cyril Ramaphosa says the far-reaching economic reforms that government started in the sixth administration are showing results.

He however, says while progress has been done this year, there is much more to be done in 2025 to overcome the challenges that confront South Africans.

Ramaphosa says government needs to work with urgency and purpose to grow an inclusive economy and create jobs.

“Our economy is slowly but steadily improving, more South Africans are finding jobs, inflation has been falling making essential goods more affordable for households. In 2024, South Africa achieved its first primary budget surplus in 15 years, public sector investment has risen for another straight year,” adds the President.

Energy

On energy, Ramaphosa says the country is making a significant progress in addressing the energy crisis it faced in the recent past.

Power utility, Eskom has made strides in stabilising the electricity grid as the country has gone over nine months without rolling blackouts.

Ramaphosa elaborates: “We are emerging from a debilitating energy crisis that cost immense hardship to our people, households and businesses. The country has now gone for 280 days without load shedding. We continue the work to get more power onto the grid to drive massive new investments into energy generation and to establish a more competitive energy market.”