SOWETO – African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa has said the ruling party’s policy conference made several recommendations aimed at tackling the country’s cost of living crisis, while calling for exceptional and urgent solutions.
South Africans have had to contend with rapidly rising prices for various commodities due to disruptions in global value chains, among other challenges.
Ramaphosa said delegates to the ANC’s sixth policy conference agreed the government needed to act urgently to support consumers and businesses during this difficult time.
“We have also noted with great concern the impact of the rising cost of living on South African families and have made a number of recommendations specifically on rising fuel and food prices. We have urged the government to act urgently to support consumers and businesses at this difficult time,” he said.
“But these policies will not succeed unless embraced by all sections of society and if all sections of society are not involved in the design and implementation of these policies.”
Ramaphosa gave the closing speech at the three-day event, which was held in Nasrec, south of Johannesburg.
“This political conference gives us hope for the future of our movement. It has sent a clear signal to our members, to our supporters and even to the people of this country that the ANC lives on, whatever our challenges, whatever our shortcomings,” he said.
Meanwhile, there were cheers for upholding the controversial ANC resignation resolution as Ramaphosa delivered his speech. Attempts to abolish the policy have been crushed, although the party’s largest province, KwaZulu-Natal, has called for its complete abolition.
- Eyewitness News / additional report by the Editor
