S’Africa President Ramaphosa Won’t Attend Upcoming UN General Assembly Meeting

The office of the president, on Thursday said President Cyril Ramaphosa has cancelled his plan to attend the upcoming UN General Assembly meeting because he has to ‘concentrate on critical issues’ at home.

READ ALSO: Frustration As South African Government Demands Proof Of Entry To Allow Evacuation Of Nigerians

The presidency said the president has instructed Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor to lead the South African delegation to attend the meeting, scheduled for September 23-26 in New York.

Presidential spokesperson, Khusela Diko said Ramaphosa has decided to remain in South Africa to attend to the implementation of the government’s urgent measures on gender-based violence.

READ ALSO: Huge Controversy Over Mugabe’s Burial Home

Diko added that the president wanted to witness the restoration of order and stability in areas affected by public violence and to oversee initiatives to turn around the economy.

Ramaphosa said in a statement issued by the Presidency that this is a time for leadership from across society to mobilize their respective constituencies in support of economic progress and rebuilding the social and moral fabric of society.

READ ALSO: Government Can’t Prevent Xenophobic Violence, We’re An Angry Nation- SA Defense Minister

He said his government is stepping up its own contribution to this collective effort.

Ramaphosa would be meeting communities, civil society and structures of government on concrete actions to address public concerns and challenges, according to Diko.

READ ALSO: 400 Nigerians To Return Home As S’Africans Step Up Attacks

South Africa’s president has rarely been absent from annual UN General Assembly meetings in previous years. South Africa currently is serving as a non-permanent member in the UN Security Council.

South Africa has seen rising gender-based violence and clashes between locals and foreigners that have led to at least 12 people killed in recent days.