Opportunity for Ramaphosa to Rescue Tarnished Domestic Legacy

Dr. Reneva Fourie

The qualities President Ramaphosa displayed during the G20 Leaders’ Summit should now be directed with urgency towards the country. South Africa’s term as president of the G20 has ended on a high note, and President Cyril Ramaphosa’s authoritativeness drew strong approval at home and abroad.

At the G20 Leaders’ Summit, in particular, he displayed charisma and commanded the global stage with confidence. His defence of the country’s independence in international decision-making was dignified, firm, and clear.

Many South Africans felt genuine pride as they watched the President charm world leaders. It evoked a spirit of goodwill among citizens who often feel far removed from high-level diplomatic events. This favourable moment provides a significant opportunity to tackle the long list of challenges facing our country. 

People want to see decisive action that improves their quality of life. They want firm stewardship from the presidency. The G20 showed that the President can lead with purpose. Citizens now expect him to apply the same level of efficacy to domestic issues that have long demanded attention.

When President Ramaphosa first entered office, the Thuma Mina campaign created a sense of collective enthusiasm. Many people believed the country would move towards prosperity. Citizens responded with willingness to contribute. Civil society and business expressed readiness to work with the government to restore functionality and rebuild trust.

The atmosphere of that period proved that South Africans are prepared to unite behind clear leadership that focuses on practical solutions. Sadly, this positive energy was not adequately harnessed and channelled. The opportunity to optimally utilise the current momentum for fundamental domestic transformation cannot be allowed to pass.

Poverty and inequality are at the centre of South Africa’s difficulties. Many families continue to rely on unstable income sources. Employment opportunities are limited across the country. Young people face persistent barriers to entering the labour market.

The cost of living makes life unaffordable for the vast majority. Addressing poverty and inequality requires sustained commitment driven by the presidency. It requires decisions that strengthen public investment, expand employment pathways, and improve access to essential services.

Service delivery remains a major concern. Water interruptions continue to affect households in several provinces. Electricity supply challenges still disrupt daily life and weaken economic activity. Waste removal is inconsistent in many municipalities. Roads deteriorate without timely repairs. Schools and clinics in poorer areas battle with resource shortages. Public transport systems remain fragmented and inaccessible for many. Public facilities struggle to keep pace with population needs.

These shortcomings weaken confidence in the state. They also slow progress in every sector of the economy. Firm intervention from the highest office is required to set clear standards and ensure that political and administrative leaders meet them.

State-owned enterprises remain vital to South Africa’s developmental trajectory. There is ongoing pressure to privatise these institutions. Workers and communities are concerned about what such moves may mean for service costs, job security, and national capacity.

Given the strategic importance of these institutions, they must remain under state control. SOEs can succeed if they are well managed and steered. They can also support broader socio-economic stability when their operations are aligned with national interests. 

Outsourcing of critical state functions has been a recurring problem. It has eroded institutional capacity in several departments. It has also placed essential services in the hands of external actors whose commitments may not always align with the needs of citizens.

Most critically, it has consolidated the pathway for corruption. Reversing outsourcing can strengthen state performance and reduce corruption. This requires strong leadership that prioritises the rebuilding of internal skills and systems.

Crime has become unbearable. Communities across the country report high levels of violence, including gender-based violence and femicide. Many citizens feel unsafe in their homes and on their streets. Law enforcement institutions face ongoing challenges with resources, coordination, and internal integrity.

The President must provide firm directives that support a professional and effective criminal justice system. Citizens want to see strong action against poor performance and those implicated in wrongdoing. A consistent approach to accountability is essential for rebuilding trust.

For the state to function, the ills in the largest party in government must be eliminated. The African National Congress has acknowledged the need to address internal divisions, organisational weaknesses, and ethical concerns.

This process requires focused attention. It also requires commitment to principles that support integrity in public service. The President has spoken about renewal on many occasions. The current moment calls for accelerated action that aligns words with concrete steps.

The organisation of the G20, as with previous international events such as the 1995 Rugby World Cup, 2001 World Conference Against Racism, the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development, the 2010 Fifa World Cup, and the 2023 BRICS Summit, all of which occurred under ANC governance, demonstrated that South Africa can operate with high levels of discipline when necessary. If the country can function with such cohesion during events of substantial magnitude, it can apply the same level of organisation to national challenges. 

The systems that worked for the G20 can work for service delivery. The coordination that supported the event can support broader government programmes. The sense of unity that emerged can strengthen efforts to rebuild public institutions.

South Africa can drive a stable, secure, and equitable developmental path. This capability becomes apparent when leadership is visible and decisive. The positive response to President Ramaphosa’s conduct at the G20 shows that people recognise his competence to lead with authority. The task now is to apply those same qualities to governance at home.

This is a moment of possibility. The wave of goodwill generated by the G20 can support constructive action if it is focused on practical outcomes within South Africa. President Ramaphosa has the opportunity to guide the country toward meaningful progress.

The work ahead is extensive. The needs of communities are urgent. The expectations are high. The time to act with the same level of clarity displayed during the G20 Leaders’ Summit is now.

* Dr Reneva Fourie is a policy analyst specialising in governance, development, and security.

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL, Independent Media or The African.