In a powerful statement addressing race classification three decades into democracy, President Cyril Ramaphosa asserted that every South African is, by definition, an African. His remarks came in response to a question from the Patriotic Alliance regarding legal provisions that exclude Khoi-San, Indian, coloured, and white communities from being classified as African.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Ramaphosa emphasized inclusivity, citing foundational documents like the Freedom Charter, which declares that “South Africa belongs to all who live in it.”
“Just as we are all equally South African, we have an equal claim to this country,” he said. “We have put in place legislation and measures to redress the effects of discriminatory laws and practices of the past.”
No Changes to Mineral Royalty Regime
Shifting focus to economic policy, Ramaphosa confirmed that the government has no plans to reform the mineral royalty regime. He explained that the current system incorporates a tax structure based on profitability and whether minerals are sold refined or unrefined.
“Even if profitability is low, the country is still reimbursed for extracted resources,” he said. The president highlighted that mineral royalties surged from R14.2 billion in 2020-2021 to R28.5 billion in 2021-2022, driven by a commodity boom, though revenues later declined to R16 billion in 2023-2024.
Mining companies also contribute through corporate taxes, capital gains tax, VAT, and employment-related taxes, reinforcing their role in national revenue.
Balancing Unity and Economic Priorities
Ramaphosa’s dual focus on racial unity and economic policy underscores the government’s efforts to address historical divisions while stabilizing key industries. His reaffirmation that all citizens are African signals a continued rejection of apartheid-era racial categorizations, even as debates over identity persist.
As South Africa navigates its post-30-year democracy path, the president’s remarks highlight both the progress made and the challenges remaining in forging a truly inclusive nation.
