Mbali Dhlamini3 July 2024 | 5:32

Rivonia Circle urges Ramaphosa's new administration to prioritise engaging with ordinary SAns

The civil organisation's Tessa Dooms said the country has, in the past, seen many ministers who only listen to their political parties and not the people.

Rivonia Circle urges Ramaphosa's new administration to prioritise engaging with ordinary SAns

President Cyril Ramaphosa during his inaugural speech at the Union Buildings after being sworn in for a second term on 19 June 2024. Picture: Jacques Nelles/Eyewitness News

JOHANNESBURG - Civil organisation Rivonia Circle is urging President Cyril Ramaphosa's new administration to prioritise engaging with ordinary South Africans.

The organisation's Tessa Dooms said the country has, in the past, seen many ministers who only listen to their political parties and not the people.

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The concern came just hours before the new executive is due to be sworn into office at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Chief Justice Raymond Zondo will preside over the ceremony to swear in 76 members of the executive, which include 32 ministers and 43 deputy ministers.

Dooms said the country needs ministers who are willing to do things differently.

“There is an element of being a minister that requires visioning for our society and engaging with society to understand what it is that we need. 

“We have, unfortunately, had ministers who have only listened to themselves or listened to their political parties in terms of imperatives or only engaged with us when it is advantageous for them.”