Cape Town

Just as friends and families often pull together to ensure a roof over the heads of their loved ones, or their general well-being, President Cyril Ramaphosa has appealed to the larger South African family to behave as weaver birds who give their all to build and cooperate.

The call to become birds of a feather, was made by President Ramaphosa as he delivered the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) on Thursday night, at the Cape Town City Hall.

“We would like all of us as South Africans to behave like ‘weaver birds’. Weavers are among the most gregarious birds in that they build complex structures together and cooperate. 

"Despite all the challenges, despite our differences, despite all the headwinds, as South Africans we are called upon to remain firmly committed to pursue the path of cooperation, growth and inclusion,” said President Ramaphosa who set the tone of the seventh administration’s Government of National Unity (GNU).

The formation of the GNU follows the 29 May historic National and Provincial Elections which produced no outright winner necessitating the formation of the GNU which is made up of 10 parties represented in the seventh Parliament. 

Indlulamithi Scenarios

Exactly fifty days since South Africa held the elections, the President, in emphasising the need for us to look after one another, referred to the Indlulamithi Scenarios 2035.  The scenarios were the result of a diverse group of partners and stakeholders from across society coming together to consider various scenarios for the future of South Africa Inc. 

One of the scenarios they described was the ‘The Recrimination Nation’, using the loud Hadeda bird as its symbol. This described a situation of inaction, where the country’s problems go unresolved, and where everyone blames each other for South Africa’s ills. This scenario painted a picture of the country going into decline. 

The second scenario, symbolised by a vulture, painted a picture of a desperate nation governed by a populist coalition whose main objective is self-enrichment and patronage. This scenario saw investment confidence being eroded, the growth path being low and unemployment, poverty and inequality remaining extremely high. 

Stakeholders and partners also described a scenario they called ‘The Cooperation Nation’, symbolised by the social weaver birds.

“This scenario paints a picture where after disruptions and protests there is a coming together of political parties, the state, private sector and civil society in order to jointly identify priorities and leveraging the strength of each. 

"There is change in the form of governance and reform that leads to the economy growing, with more investment attracted, leading to the reduction of unemployment, inequality and poverty," the President explained. 

"By establishing the Government of National Unity, by preparing for a National Dialogue, we have deliberately set ourselves along the path towards a ‘cooperation nation’,” he said. 

With the country charting its path in the new GNU, the President reflected on the democratic South Africa’s founding President, Nelson Mandela, who is being remembered today through the Mandela Day initiative.

“Thirty years ago, President Nelson Mandela stood before this House to reflect on the first 100 days of the first Government of National Unity. 

"Recognising the different views of the diverse parties within the government, he said: ‘What brings us together is the overriding commitment to a joint national effort to reconcile our nation and improve its well-being.” 

President Ramaphosa said the same could be said of the current GNU parties who share a commitment to reconcile the nation by advancing social justice and equal prosperity for all. 
“We are committed to improve the well-being of our country and its people through inclusive growth, the creation of jobs and the reduction of poverty. This is an undertaking that involves us all.”

National Dialogue

To address the laundry basket of South Africa’s challenges, President Ramaphosa spoke to the holding of a National Dialogue and to agree on what needs to be done to achieve a better future.

Having announced the National Dialogue commitment at the Presidential Inauguration on 19 June, the President said people across society have expressed their support for the dialogue.

“They have said it should involve all key stakeholders in the life of our country, representing civil society, traditional leaders, the faith-based sector, labour, business, cultural workers, sports people and other formations representing the diverse interests and voices of our citizens. 

“Following the example set by historic events, such as the Congress of the People in 1955, the Conference for a Democratic Future in 1989 and the CODESA talks in the early 1990s and drawing on the experience of the writing of our new democratic constitution in 1996, we envisage a National Dialogue that involves extensive and inclusive public participation.”

He added that government will seek to forge a common vision and build a comprehensive social compact with a clear programme of action to realise aspirations for the country. 

“Through this National Dialogue, we are called to be agents of change, to be champions of inclusive growth, to be creators of opportunity,” said the President.

While we may not have a crystal ball to gaze into collective South Africa's future, what is certain is that if we all remain eagle-eyed, South Africa will be better for all.

“We have an opportunity to make South Africa a better nation,” said the President. SAnews.gov.za