Ramaphosa says New Year brings renewed hope

President Cyril Ramaphosa says 2025 laid a great foundation for better economic progress in the New Year.

The president released his year-end video message on Wednesday reflecting on the previous year and looking ahead to 2026.

He highlighted some successes which include the successful hosting of the G20 leaders summit, the easing of loadshedding incidents and the country’s first upgrade of its sovereign credit rating in two decades.

Ramaphosa also noted some of the country’s persistent challenges of poverty, high levels of crime and unemployment.

Despite that, the president said that he remains upbeat for the upcoming year.

"We therefore enter the New Year with renewed hope, greater purpose and even greater confidence in the potential of our great country and its people. We are grateful for your resilience, for the way we have stood together through difficult moments, and for a unity that remains firm. Together, we are changing our country for the better. Our economy is recovering. We are working on creating more jobs, especially for young people. Inflation has eased. The cost of living is coming down. The rand has strengthened.”