President Cyril Ramaphosa, on Tuesday, 16 December, called on South Africans to renew their commitment to reconciliation, unity, and nation-building during the national commemoration of the Day of Reconciliation at the Ncome Museum in Nquthu.
Delivering the keynote address, he emphasised that the country’s democratic foundation rests on choosing healing over vengeance. Speaking under the theme “Reaffirming Reconciliation for Future Generations,” President Ramaphosa reflected on the Battle of Ncome in 1838 and other historical events of repression, including Sharpeville, Langa, Boipatong, and the political violence in KwaZulu-Natal during the 1980s and 1990s.
He highlighted that despite centuries of dispossession and oppression, South Africans embraced reconciliation at the dawn of democracy, quoting Nelson Mandela on the importance of respecting and enhancing others’ freedom.
The President stressed that reconciliation remains an ongoing process, noting that poverty, inequality, crime, corruption, and gender-based violence continue to undermine social cohesion. He called for inclusive economic growth, job creation, and efforts to reduce poverty and the cost of living as essential components of achieving true reconciliation.
President Ramaphosa also urged men to protect women and children, saying, “Real men do not abuse women and children. Real men protect women and children.” He concluded by encouraging citizens to use the festive season to foster reconciliation within families and communities, reinforcing that strong families are the foundation of a healthy nation.