Cyril Ramaphosa at Davos 2025: Promises, Failures, and Controversies
President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined South Africa's G20 priorities in a special address to the World Economic Forum's 2025 Annual Meeting in Davos. Image: Reuters/Yves Herman
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a special address at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos, Switzerland, emphasizing global cooperation, equality, and sustainable development. While his speech painted a hopeful vision for South Africa’s future, it also reignited debates about his leadership failures and controversies surrounding the WEF’s influence on global governance.
Ramaphosa’s Speech: A Vision of Unity
During his address, President Ramaphosa highlighted South Africa’s leadership in hosting the G20 Summit for the first time. His speech celebrated the values of unity and global collaboration, stating:
“Cooperation has been a cornerstone of human progress, shaping our survival, technological advancement, and social organization.”
He pledged to prioritize economic inclusivity and sustainability, focusing on renewable energy investments and regional economic integration in Africa. His rhetoric aligned with WEF themes of equitable growth and climate resilience, showcasing South Africa as a potential leader in driving African prosperity.
Leadership Under Fire: Ramaphosa’s Domestic Record
Despite his aspirational rhetoric, Ramaphosa’s presidency has been marred by significant challenges. The nation’s energy crisis, characterized by frequent blackouts, continues to cripple businesses and frustrate citizens. His administration’s failure to implement meaningful reforms within state-owned enterprises like Eskom reflects poorly on his promises of economic recovery.
Ramaphosa’s credibility has also been tarnished by the “Farmgate” scandal, involving the theft of undeclared foreign currency from his private farm, raising questions about his transparency and ethics. Critics argue that his inability to tackle corruption within the African National Congress (ANC) undermines his government’s legitimacy.
The World Economic Forum: Criticism and Controversy
The WEF, under Klaus Schwab’s leadership, has faced significant criticism for promoting an agenda viewed by some as elitist and disconnected from the needs of ordinary people. Initiatives like the “Great Reset,” which advocates for systemic changes to achieve a sustainable future, have been met with scepticism. Detractors argue that such proposals consolidate power among global elites while eroding national sovereignty.
Ramaphosa’s close association with the WEF has sparked concerns about South Africa aligning with these controversial global policies. Critics fear that prioritizing WEF-endorsed agendas could divert attention from pressing domestic issues, such as unemployment, poverty, and crime.
While President Ramaphosa’s address at Davos presented an optimistic vision for South Africa and global unity, his track record at home tells a different story. As public confidence in his leadership wanes, his alignment with the WEF only deepens the divide between his lofty promises and the realities facing South Africans. Meanwhile, growing scepticism toward the WEF underscores the broader challenge of balancing global collaboration with national interests.
