More Efforts Needed For Full Enjoyment Of Human Rights: President Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged that the government needs to do more work to ensure that all South Africans enjoy their basic human rights to the fullest. However, he noted that the government has advanced the constitutional and rights-based system to address the same.

Speaking at the National Conference on 30 Years of Human Rights at the Birchwood Conference Centre in Ekurhuleni on Monday, the president noted how the country is plagued by poor and corrupt services, especially in municipalities, stopping citizens from enjoying their rights.

The three-day event has been hosted by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development under the theme, "Three Decades of Respect for and Promotion of Human Rights."

"Whilst we are rightfully proud of how far our constitutional, rights-based order has come, we know that much still has to be done to fulfill the promise of the full enjoyment of the basic human rights of all our people," he said, SA News reported.

Ramaphosa added, "The creation of employment for our people and promoting the rights that are enshrined in our Constitution are necessary to improve lives and lift millions out of poverty and despair."

The president explained that not only the government but everyone is responsible for the future progress and prosperity of this great country, "sparing neither strength nor courage to fulfil the basic human rights" of South Africans.

He pointed out that South Africans are in a different place compared to where they were 30 years ago when the country gained independence after the apartheid system ended in the late 20th century. Before the implementation of the apartheid system, South Africa was under Dutch colonization from 1652 to 1795.

Touching upon women empowerment, Ramaphosa highlighted that currently more women serving as leaders in both the public and private sectors.

The president said government has established various institutions such as South African Human Rights Commission, the Office of the Public Protector and the Commission for Gender Equality to strengthen constitutional democracy and to promote accountability, responsiveness and openness.

The president's speech came just one month ahead of the general elections, which will be held on May 29, marking the seventh election in the country since the end of the apartheid era in 1994.

During the elections, the ruling African National Congress party will be locking horns with opposition parties, including the Economic Freedom Fighters party and the Democratic Alliance.