By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Deputy President David Mabuza has called on South Africans to be generous of spirit and resilient in the face of our collective adversity as we battle the Coronavirus pandemic.
Mabuza says citizens have pulled through admirably from what seemed a hopeless situation when we faced the pandemic last Christmas.
He has encouraged people to get vaccinated as the best way to fight COVID-19.
Mabuza has also called on all to help fight the scourge of gender-based violence, and femicide including other social ills during this festive season. He says government has laid a solid foundation to strengthen and accelerate response to these pandemics.
“We draw inspiration from the exemplary leadership of traditional leaders, faith-based leaders and civil society in general for collaborative partnerships towards responding to social ills and challenges confronting our communities. There can be no denying that a safe and secure South Africa is not only beneficial to our citizens and communities, but for our healthcare workers to save the sick, and for tourism and investments to flourish, and lead to job creation.”
He said despite these challenges, it had also been “a year of major successes that bring a sense of pride and nationhood”, citing the general elections in May and the government’s comprehensive programme against HIV/Aids and sexually transmitted infections.
On socio-cultural front, the Soweto Gospel Choir won the Grammy for the Best World Music Album, Miss Zozibini Tunzi won the Miss Universe title, 17-year-old Kealeboga Matsafu was crowned Miss Teen Queen of the Globe for 2019, our netball team was crowned the 2019 Africa champions, the Springboks brought home the Webb Ellis Cup, and the Under-23 football team qualified for the 2020 Olympic Games, Mabuza said.
He said politicians should work together for the good of the country and their positions were not for posturing and point-scoring.
“On behalf of the President and government, we wish you a restful period, a peaceful and safe festive Season and a Merry Christmas,” Mabuza said.
Mabuza has also urged the South Africans to usher into the new year responsibly.
Meanwhile, the EFF has wished “the people of South Africa, Africa and the world a revolutionary Merry Christmas”.
“A revolutionary Christmas is one steeped in the founding message symbolised by the very occasion of the birth of Christ; a baby born in a stable, in a manger, to stranded migrant parents on transit to partake in a tax census,” EFF spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi said in a statement.
FF Plus leader Pieter Groenewald said politics created great uncertainties “that stir up doubts in people’s hearts”. He referred to the issue of the expropriation of land without compensation as an example.
“More and more people are asking themselves the following questions: What future do we have here? Are we safe? Will we be able to survive in this economy? Will I keep my job? Some people are already unemployed and are left wondering if they will be able to get a job in order to provide for their family,” Groenewald said in a statement.
Parliament’s presiding officers, National Assembly Speaker Thandi Modise and National Council of Provinces chairperson Amos Masondo, wished “all Christians a joyful, peaceful and heavenly blessed Christmas period” in a joint statement.