South Africa’s Ramaphosa focuses on the poor as he seeks ANC re-election

President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the plight of poor South Africans left out of nearly three decades of post-apartheid prosperity, he promised on Sunday ahead of a governing party election that will decide if he can run for a second term.
Ramaphosa was concluding the African National Congress (ANC) executive committee meeting before an elective conference next month chooses the party’s candidate for 2024 national elections.
The president faces multiple challengers from within the party, mostly allied to his predecessor Jacob Zuma. Much may depend on whether Ramaphosa is seen as the best candidate to revive the fortunes of the ANC, the popularity of which is at an all-time low.
“No political democracy can survive and flourish if the mass of our people remain in poverty; without land, without tangible prospects for a better life,” Ramaphosa said in his speech.
“Attacking poverty and deprivation must therefore be the first priority of a democratic government.”