Nquthu: President Cyril Ramaphosa has cautioned against misinformation and false narratives that seek to portray South Africa as a deeply divided society, warning that such narratives are designed to sow fear, hatred, and division. Speaking at the National Day of Reconciliation commemoration at the Ncome Museum in Nquthu on Tuesday, President Ramaphosa said there are individuals and groups, both inside and outside the country, who deliberately misrepresent the state of race relations and democracy in South Africa.
According to South African Government News Agency, the President emphasized that detractors often ignore evidence showing that most South Africans remain hopeful about the country's democracy and believe race relations have improved since 1994. He pointed out that these narratives fail to acknowledge examples of social cohesion, such as African, white, Indian, and coloured children learning, studying, and playing together, as well as cross-cultural friendships and shared communities.
President Ramaphosa highlighted everyday examples of social unity, including young South Africans embracing each other's languages, music, and traditions. He noted the social media clips of young Afrikaners dancing to amapiano and white teenagers speaking fluent isiZulu with their friends, emphasizing that these positive interactions are often overlooked by those spreading divisive narratives.
He urged South Africans not to allow misinformation to undermine unity, stressing that the country's diversity should be a source of strength rather than division. The President reiterated the importance of the National Dialogue process, which aims to bring together all sectors of society to forge a shared vision for the future. He called for open engagement and honest conversation to address South Africa's persistent challenges, including poverty, inequality, crime, corruption, and gender-based violence.
Reflecting on the historical significance of Ncome, the President said hosting the 2025 commemoration at the heritage site reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to transforming painful symbols of the past into platforms for dialogue, healing, and shared nationhood. Ncome Museum is a tribute to the Battle of Ncome of 16 December 1838, where thousands of Zulu warriors lost their lives defending their land.
President Ramaphosa concluded by affirming that as South Africans continue to build their nation together, no one will be able to plant seeds of discrimination and exclusiveness among them.