Instead of receiving gifts and birthday messages, President Cyril Ramaphosa received an open letter on his 72nd Birthday from politician, Mayibuye Melisizwe Mandela.
Melisizwe born in the lineage of Baliwe Mandela, Nelson Mandela’s unmarried sister, in writing, expressed his frustration after more than 200 children lost their lives due to foodborne illnesses linked to illegal spaza shops run by foreign nationals.
Opening his letter he said: “As you mark your 72nd Birthday today, I must ask: How can you in good conscience celebrate your life while the lives of South Africans, especially our children are being snuffed out under your watch? how can you smile and cut your cake when countless young souls are being lost, poisoned and discarded in the country you claim to lead,” he authored.
Melisizwe mentioned in his letter that the deaths are affecting the poor, those who had been left behind by the government that has failed to protect them.
“You have failed the people of this country; your governance has failed to protect its citizens. The law has been trampled. We, the people demand accountability and justice. As the head of state, it is your duty to prioritise the safety and well-being of South Africans, especially our children. Your failure to do so is an unforgivable betrayal of the trust placed in you,” he wrote.
The president recently called the ‘family meeting’ to address the country about the foodborne illnesses caused by food bought at spaza shops.
[Watch] President Cyril Ramaphosa on multidisciplinary teams in government activated to address deaths caused by deadly pesticides incidents. https://t.co/2sZ6LJdcw2 #GovZAUpdates #LeaveNoOneBehind #FoodSafety pic.twitter.com/tEWF5AwvWR
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) November 16, 2024
Melisizwe felt that the president’s response was not one of outrage nor one of leadership. He believes that the president should have closed all shops and not do selective closure.
President celebrates his 72nd Birthday.
[Watch] #TeamSouthAfrica ?? celebrating President @CyrilRamaphosa on the occasion of his 72nd birthday.
The President is in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the #G20 Leaders’ Summit. South Africa takes over the #G20 Presidency from 1 December 2024. #HappyBirthdayPresident ?… pic.twitter.com/Onv4qFYsbz
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) November 17, 2024
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