CAPE TOWN, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on citizens to embrace the new year with hope, reflection, and unity, acknowledging persistent challenges while pointing to promising signs of progress for the country.
"A new year is upon us. As we welcome the New Year, we do so with reflection, resolve, and hope," said Ramaphosa in his 2026 New Year message late Wednesday.
In the message, the president cited economic pressures, high unemployment, persistent poverty and inequality, and the continued threat of crime, particularly gang-related violence and gender-based violence.
"It is a matter of concern that many South Africans are unemployed and that poverty and inequality persist. The high cost of living has imposed huge burdens on South African households," he said.
Ramaphosa said the government was addressing these challenges through broad-based cooperation.
"Our success in addressing these challenges includes working together in partnership between the government, business, labor, civil society, and every citizen committed to the future of our country," he said, adding that such cooperation was beginning to yield results.
Looking ahead, he pointed to encouraging signs of progress, including easing inflation, a stronger rand, and an improved sovereign credit rating, which he said would lower borrowing costs for infrastructure and social development.
Ramaphosa also cited increased freight movement on rail and at ports, the restoration of commuter rail corridors, and expanded infrastructure investment, with more than 1 trillion rand (about 60 billion U.S. dollars) budgeted over the next three years.
Job creation remained a priority, particularly for young people, he said, pointing to public employment programs and collaboration with the private sector through the Youth Employment Service, which has created more than 200,000 work experience opportunities.
Internationally, Ramaphosa said South Africa's standing had been strengthened by hosting the first Group of 20 Summit on African soil, with outcomes reflecting shared global priorities.
"The Leaders' Declaration adopted by the Summit articulated global commitments on inclusive economic growth, debt sustainability, climate action, food security, reform of global financial institutions, and a number of other key issues," he said.
Concluding his address, he called for unity. "Despite the challenges we face, our country is getting stronger, our economy is improving. As we prepare to welcome a new year, let us remain united to build the South Africa of our dreams," he said. ■