Cyril Ramaphosa urges action on poverty and inequality on Mandela Day

President Cyril Ramaphosa called on South Africans to mark Nelson Mandela International Day on 18 July with 67 minutes of community service and a renewed commitment to fight poverty and inequality. He said acts of service – such as feeding the hungry, comforting the lonely or supporting the elderly – can change lives, but stressed that “overcoming poverty is not an act of charity, but an act of justice”.

Ramaphosa highlighted South Africa’s ongoing investment in education, health, skills development and social protection, and emphasized the need for a worker‑friendly regulatory environment to spur growth and employment. He also referred to the country’s role on the global stage, noting its G20 presidency and work with partners to create an International Panel on Inequality to monitor disparities and recommend policy solutions. Quoting Mandela, he concluded: “It is now in your hands.”