Ramaphosa: Unemployment keeps me awake

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed concern over the high levels of unemployment in the country, revealing that the issue often keeps him awake at night.

- HOPE NTANZI [e-mail]

Speaking at Sun City in Rustenburg on Wednesday during the ANC's January 8 celebrations preparations, Ramaphosa acknowledged the country's ongoing challenges, including crime, state capture, and other socioeconomic issues, but stressed that unemployment remains one of his biggest priorities.

"The issue of unemployment keeps all of us here on the stage awake," he said, adding that the gravity of the situation particularly troubles him personally.

"It especially keeps me awake at night in terms of trying to find solutions."

His comments come just days after ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe sparked controversy during an interview with SABC.

Mantashe criticised the dynamic between government and society, suggesting that many South Africans have become passive and expect the state to deliver all services.

"We have created a situation where people sit back, you sit in the sun, and expect the state to deliver," he said, adding that this mindset was a mistake in governance.