President Cyril Ramaphosa hails democracy’s role in uplifting youth, saying individuals born after the advent of democracy embody the essence of Tintswalo, as they have gone on to record commendable achievements in their lives and careers.

The President was responding to this week’s two-day debate on his State of the Nation Address (SONA) by Members of Parliament. The SONA was delivered a week ago in Cape Town.

“Today I am really honoured to have several Tinstwalos who have come to join us. Among these young people are aeronautical engineers, pilots, civil engineers, police officers, doctors, and a naval captain. They are qualified in several ways, all of whom have pursued their careers with the support of government departments and entities,” Ramaphosa said.

In his State of the Nation Address last week, President Ramaphosa introduced South Africa to Tintswalo, a child of democracy. He said that for millions of South Africans, Tintswalo’s story resonated deeply with their own, prompting young people to post images of themselves in their graduation gowns or at their workplaces, saying “#IamTintswalo”.

“There are countless stories of young people who were born into abject poverty, but are now engineers, doctors, teachers, managers, tourism guides and operators, and entrepreneurs, thanks to the support and opportunities provided to them under democracy,” he added.

Responding to those who greeted Tintswalo’s story with derision, the President said that these were people who sought to diminish the achievements of democracy.

The President said the journey to a brighter future continues. “We have travelled far and achieved much, but we have much further to go. We are clear about the progress we have made, the challenges we face, and the actions we must now take,” the President said.