President Cyril Ramaphosa Calls On South Africans To Support Their Alma Maters

Holifil

03 Apr, 2025

Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a heartfelt speech at the 24th Annual National Teaching Awards
He expressed his sadness over the deteriorating state of his high school since he attended it
Ramaphosa urged successful citizens to give back to the schools that shaped them

Cyril Ramaphosa has urged citizens to give back to the schools that made them who they are, but South Africans aren't impressed with his appeal. Image: Bojanstory/ Thomas Lohnes Source: Getty Images

Hey there, everyone. Let me tell you something about President Cyril Ramaphosa. Recently, he delivered a keynote address at the 24th Annual National Teaching Awards, and it was quite the moment. During his speech, he reminded everyone never to forget the schools where they were educated. It was a heartfelt plea, and it carried a lot of weight, especially when you consider the challenges facing South Africa’s education system today.

Now, let’s dive into what President Ramaphosa said. He shared some personal memories about his own schooling days. He mentioned visiting Mphaphuli High School in Sibasa, Venda, the very place where he completed high school. It was clear that this visit left a deep impression on him, and he couldn’t help but reflect on the school’s current state.

Heartbroken by the Decline of His Alma Mater

As the president stood there, he revealed how heartbroken he was by the current condition of the school. It’s not just about the buildings; it’s about the overall environment and the opportunities—or lack thereof—available to the students today. He explained that, compared to when he attended, the school had significantly deteriorated. This wasn’t just a casual observation; it was a call to action. He emphasized the importance of coming together as a community to make a difference.

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In his words, "We must join hands and be proud of the schools that we attended and do something about it now that we have become as successful as we are." He urged former students to rally together, alongside other individuals, to establish funds aimed at improving not only Mphaphuli High School but also other schools across the country in similar situations.

President Plans to Visit Other Districts

President Ramaphosa didn’t stop there. He expressed his intention to travel around the country, visiting different districts. His goal? To inspire successful South Africans to revisit their old schools and explore ways to collaborate with the government in supporting these institutions. It’s a grand vision, one that aims to leverage the success of individuals to uplift the education system as a whole.

South Africans Weigh In on Ramaphosa’s Appeal

While the president’s intentions were noble, not everyone was moved by his words. Many South Africans voiced their dissatisfaction with his appeal. For instance, @AmuMabasa2 tweeted, “At 71, Cyril… You only think of this now?” It’s a sentiment that reflects a growing frustration among citizens who feel that more should have been done earlier.

@saltychi added, “This is rich coming from the guy whose party has literally set the school’s budget for the last 30 years.” It’s a critique that highlights the perceived disconnect between policy-making and action on the ground. Similarly, @Rrasel_ expressed, “This guy hasn’t got a clue what’s going on in SA. It’s pathetic.”

@ActSAParklands chimed in, “Another way to loot. How useless do you have to be to be president of a country and let the very school you attended be in ruins?” This comment underscores the mistrust some citizens feel towards the government’s commitment to education.

@KwinikaZava questioned the necessity of setting up new funds, tweeting, “He must just get the education ministry to account for their plans and use of funds. Setting up fund for what? When we have a fully financed Ministry of Education.” And @ScouterEcho echoed similar sentiments, asking, “Errrr... Is that not what the Ministry of Education's budget is for?”

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Ramaphosa Urged to Take Action Against Education Minister

In related news, Briefly News reported that Cyril Ramaphosa was urged to take decisive action against Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube. Save South Africa called upon the president to address the minister’s recent absence during a significant event. Gwarube missed the occasion when Ramaphosa and other government officials introduced the BELA Bill on September 13. This no-show didn’t sit well with many, further fueling the public’s demand for accountability and action from the government.