President Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africans entered 2020 encouraged by the progress made in the country despite difficult conditions.
"As the 25th year of our democracy draws to a close, we look back on a year that has been filled with both highs and lows, a year in which we measured great progress, but also encountered several setbacks," said Ramaphosa in a statement.
He said the country's peaceful May elections had again demonstrated to the world that South Africa was a robust and vibrant democracy.
"And yet, for many South Africans, the hardships endured. While our economy created jobs, these have not been nearly enough to stop the rise in unemployment or the deepening of poverty.
"Many South Africans’ lives have changed for the better, but many others are yet to feel the benefits of the economic reforms and new investment," said Ramaphosa.
During the past year, he said, the country had also witnessed the brutality perpetrated by men against women and children.
"Yet, as a nation, we have stood as one in our determination to end the crimes perpetrated by those men who have no respect for the lives, the rights or the dignity of women and children.
"Despite the difficulties of this past year, day-by-day, we draw closer to our ambition of a better life for all South Africans."
- African News Agency (ANA)
