By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has wished South Africans a prosperous 2022,for many of us, this is a time to look back at the year we have been through – it is time to reflect on the year that has gone by. It is time to reflect on our lives and our goals, and on our plans for the year ahead.
Ramaphosa was speaking during a special broadcast on Friday afternoon as he delivered his New Year message.
“It is also a time for gratitude for things that matter most in our lives such as good health, a decent life, love of family and companionship of friends,” said Ramaphosa.
He added that 2021 had been a very difficult year for many people.
“For the second year, we have had to deal with a deadly pandemic. For many families around the country, this is a sad time and a reminder that they have lost loved ones. There is an empty space which was once occupied by a father, mother, sister, brother, daughter or child. We pray for them all. For those who have passed on, for those who are ill and for those who lost loved ones,” said Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa has also expressed gratitude to frontline healthcare workers, paramedics, emergency personnel, police, soldiers and volunteers, as well as the “pioneering” work conducted by the scientific and academic fraternity regarding Covid-19.
He thanked pupils and educators for once again toughing out another challenging year, and Good Samaritans for helping those in need.
Despite the losses, Ramaphosa also reflected on the positive outcomes, with over 18 million South Africans having vaccinated against Covid-19.
Ramaphosa vowed to rebuild the economy, create work and fight poverty and hunger.
“During this past year, a number of critical foundations were laid for our economic recovery. We undertook several economic reforms to boost investor confidence and aid a sustainable economic recovery. This year we placed our focus on promoting trade and investment on the African continent to ensure that we would benefit from the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area.”
“May the year 2022 be one in which we spare neither strength nor courage to build SA going forward. Let us build a better South Africa based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights.”
“Let us take to heart the words of our beloved Desmond Mpilo Tutu when he said: “Do your little bit of good where you are. It is those little bits of good put together that can overwhelm the world.”