In his first Q&A session of the seventh Parliament, President Cyril Ramaphosa faced intense scrutiny over a controversial promise he made in 2019. The issue was thrust back into the spotlight when EFF leader Julius Malema questioned Ramaphosa about a supposed pledge to build one million homes in Alexandra.
On 29 August 2024, the National Assembly saw a heated exchange as Malema confronted Ramaphosa about the unmet promise. According to Malema, the President had vowed that the government would construct one million houses specifically for the residents of Alexandra. This claim has been a contentious topic, with skepticism surrounding the feasibility of such a project given the township’s limited infrastructure.
Journalist Terry Bell previously highlighted that Alexandra, with a population of up to 500,000 and infrastructure suited for only 70,000, seemed an unlikely candidate for such a grandiose plan. The promise quickly drew criticism, and officials attempted to distance themselves from it. Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements in 2019, Dikgang Moiloa, claimed media reports had misrepresented Ramaphosa’s statement. Later, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula described the million homes figure as a “figment of the imagination,” clarifying that the President was referring to a nationwide housing program.
During the parliamentary session, Ramaphosa reiterated his stance that the million homes were intended for the entire country, not just Alexandra. He admitted, however, that the target was not met. Despite his explanation, Malema remained unyielding, pointing to a recorded clip where Ramaphosa appears to specifically mention Alexandra in relation to the million homes promise.
On social media, this clip quickly circulated, reinforcing Malema’s argument. Ramaphosa eventually apologized for any confusion caused, acknowledging that the impression of targeting Alexandra was unintended.
The parliamentary session also touched on other issues, including the creation of a sovereign wealth fund, public-private partnerships to address failing infrastructure, and South Africa’s foreign relations. Ramaphosa defended his administration’s alignment with Western interests, citing recent pan-African initiatives and South Africa’s upcoming return to the International Court of Justice concerning alleged Israeli actions in Gaza.
The President faced criticism from various quarters, including accusations of mocking disbarred judge John Hlophe and being accused by MK’s Mzwanele Manyi of perpetuating an unfair impeachment process. Ramaphosa, maintaining his composure, apologized for the slip of the tongue and reaffirmed his commitment to infrastructure reform through private sector involvement without privatizing state assets.
In response to concerns about crime and border security, Ramaphosa assured that both the police and Border Management Agency were making significant progress against criminal activities. He promised a shift from “fluff” to concrete action, aiming to address the public’s concerns about security and criminal exploitation of South Africa’s borders.
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