WATCH: Ramaphosa says SA 'turning the corner' but concedes challenges remain

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed a cautiously optimistic view about the country’s trajectory ahead of this year's State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday.

Speaking exclusively to Cape Talk's Lester Kiewit at the Drakenstein Correctional Centre on Wednesday, a historic day marking 36 years since Nelson Mandela walked free, Ramaphosa acknowledged that many people believe the country is turning a corner.

However, he warned against excessive optimism, noting that South Africa still faces 'huge problems' after a difficult decade. 

"Many people do say that we're turning the corner. We've turned the corner, and things are beginning to look a lot better. But we should not be so optimistic, because there are still huge problems that we have to deal with. The past few years, 10 years or so, have been very difficult, and our people have gone through great challenges and great difficulties.  

"So, we need to reflect on all that, but we also need to reflect on what the future portends, because this moment gives us an opportunity to look back and to look at the present and look forward."

To listen to President Cyril Ramaphosa in conversation with CapeTalk's Lester Kiewit, click the audio below: