A world divided: President Ramaphosa urges progressive action against global imbalance

During a working visit to Spain, President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed deep concern regarding the persistent inequalities currently affecting nations across the globe. Addressing the Global Progressive Mobilisation Plenary, the President noted that the fragmentation and isolation of modern societies reflect a world that has yet to overcome severe imbalances in power, opportunity, and material well-being. According to Ramaphosa, these disparities continue to hinder inclusive and sustainable human progress.

To address these challenges, the President called for governments, social movements, community organisations, and political parties to build a united front bound by a shared desire for a better world. He expressed his certainty that the members of the plenary would leave Spain more united, purposeful, and determined than when they arrived.

President Ramaphosa is currently in the country, accompanied by a high-level delegation, including International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola and Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition Parks Tau.

While championing South Africa’s investment drive, the President also addressed significant geopolitical concerns, including the war in Gaza and the broader implications of global conflict.

The President linked the resurgence of unlawful wars of aggression and genocide in places like Palestine to ideologies of superiority that continue to affect the people of Africa. He argued that such conflicts are symptomatic of a global system that leaves billions of people hungry, unemployed, and without necessary skills.

The human cost of these systemic failures is highlighted in the latest State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report. The data shows that an estimated 733 million people faced hunger in 2023, a figure that remains stubbornly high. Ramaphosa concluded that as long as these material needs remain unmet, societies will continue to drift further into isolation and fragmentation.

Written by Noluthando Ngeno