Whilst political parties often pull in different directions during the course of the year, the festive period and calls for a safe season have been echoed by all.
Political parties have reaffirmed their commitment to building a South Africa for all in light of the high unemployment rate in the country and the COVID-19 pandemic that has worsened the gap between rich and poor
South Africa has experienced a challenging year, an economy on its knees and crippling unemployment and as 2021 draws to a close, parties have reaffirmed their commitment to building a South Africa for all.
African National Congress head of the Presidency, Sibongile Besani says, “It is during this time of the year that we deepen our family bonds, it is time to take a break from a hectic year. Many of our people continue to suffer the misfortunes of unemployment and other socio-economic challenges. The pandemic has not made it easier and hence another tough year. However, we remain hopeful that, as the ANC, our trajectory of economic reconstruction and recovery holds better prospects of ensuring that our country gets out of these challenges. South Africans are receiving it and therefore we will not submit to these misfortunes without a fight. Let us stay safe during this festive season and prepare for the next year.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has deepened the gap between rich and poor, the disparity between the haves and the have nots has never been more glaring.
An ill that will be more fiercely felt during the festive season for many and with the coronavirus pandemic having ripped through families, killing over 90 000 South Africans.
Political parties called for a generosity not confined to homes to share with the less fortunate and have wished healing to all those affected.
Democratic Alliance party leader, John Steenhuisen says, “As we enjoy the celebrations and each other’s company, let us also remember that there are many South Africans for whom even Christmas time offers little respite from the hardship of poverty. Millions of our fellow citizens face a daunting struggle every day and many of them will go to bed hungry tonight, they are our community too and they need us to act like a community. So while this is a day for celebration, family and friendship, I hope it’s also a day in which we all extend our thoughts and our actions to those who are going through a tough time. Let’s also use this day to renew our commitment to making this beautiful country of ours more inclusive, more peaceful and more prosperous for all.”
Economic Freedom Fighters spokesperson Vuyani Pambo says South Africans should reflect on those they’ve lost this year and share what they have with the less fortunate.
“Our thoughts are with all those who will be spending this Christmas without their loved ones who were lost during this difficult and unforgiving pandemic. We wish you strength as you soldier on to face what is familiar as a season of family, with your table and home short of those loved ones. We call upon all African people to share what thy have, no matter how little it may be with those who are less fortunate. The inhumanity of capitalism and its society has rendered many without the comfort of warm homes, loving families and a plate of food and requires of us to practice the spirit of Africaness. Of this season. We have as a nation survived a difficult year with rising unemployment, a betrayal of the land question and a deadly coronavirus. It is now time to take stock and reflect on this difficult year while preparing for the year to come and its inevitable challenges.”
The Inkatha Freedom Party’s president Velenkosini Hlabisa called on people to stay safe and to protect themselves by taking the vaccine.
“The year 2021 was a difficult year and full of uncertainties. Many of us, if not all of us, lost family members, friends, relatives and as a country we lost people of great talents. The IFP wishes that the year 2021 can close and heal all the wounds of this year as we cross over to the new year, 2022. May all the people of South Africa during the festive season take care of each other, share love, share gifts, share good memories as families. May we look forward to 2022 with great hope for a new year that will open opportunities and make our people achieve and realise their dreams. People of South Africa, the IFP requests to ensure that we protect ourselves by taking the vaccine against the killer disease, COVID-19 so that when we cross over to the new year, we ready ourselves to put our hands on deck and prepare to rebuild our country, the economy and shape the future of South Africa.”
The South African Communist Party General Secretary Blade Nzimande has made a call for safety and to continue the fight against gender-based violence during the festive season.
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“The SACP calls on all our people to fight for the right to work, fight crime and gender-based violence and violence generally. Overcome the covid19 pandemic and act against climate change. Working together we can build a prosperous society. On behalf of the SACP, I wish the poor and working people of our country and all other peace-loving South Africans all the best during this year-end season.”
As the country remains on level one of the lockdown, political parties have called for South Africans to act responsibly.
SABC News