Ramaphosa defends ANC's achievements

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly defended the ANC's record in implementing the Freedom Charter, citing achievements in housing, basic services, and democratic elections during his address at the party's NGC meeting.

- SIYABONGA SITHOLE

Ramaphosa said over the past three decades, since the dawn of democracy, the ANC has ensured that it lives up to the ideals of the Charter, which was drawn up on June 26, 1955, in Soweto. On Tuesday night, Ramaphosa delivered a keynote address at the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter.

Ramaphosa said those who claim that the ANC has deviated and failed to implement the ideals of the Charter are lying, adding that this landmark document is a total of the country's aspirations and a road to a new life, which the ANC has used to implement progressive policies.

"Since 1994, we have enacted laws that seek to advance the transformation of our economy. We have anchored the Broad-Based Economic Empowerment Equity Act. The progress we have made is undeniable. We need to be alive and aware of the progress that has been made ... Those who say the Freedom Charter has not been implemented are lying," he said.