'We'll finally resolve District Six matter' – Ramaphosa at Ramadan gathering in Cape Town

7th May 2021 By: News24Wire

'We'll finally resolve District Six matter' – Ramaphosa at Ramadan gathering in Cape Town

President Cyril Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa made a commitment during a Ramadan event in Cape Town that the government would "finally resolve the District Six matter".

Ramaphosa also said his government was doing everything in its power to rid the country of corruption. Ramaphosa spoke at an iftar gathering in Cape Town, hosted by the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC).

Ramaphosa joined Muslim worshippers as they broke their fast on Thursday at the Islamia College in Lansdowne.

"We are doing everything we can to end corruption. State capture will come to an end. Many steps are being taken to rid the country of corruption, and we will end it."

He said government was already taking steps against those implicated in corruption.

MJC president, Sheikh Irafaan Abrahams, called on government to make the restitution of land to claimants from District Six a top priority.

Addressing land dispossession, an issue that continues to pain former District Six residents, Ramaphosa gave his assurance that claimants would be returned home.

"We will finally resolve the District Six matter, and the people will go back to District Six," he added.

Ramaphosa arrived just after the Muslim community was scheduled to break their fast, after his answering session in Parliament ran late.

Arriving in his motorcade, the president was welcomed by senior MJC members.

Nelson Mandela's grandson Zwelivelile "Mandla" Mandela and his wife, Rabia, as well as Gift of the Givers founder Imtiaz Sooliman, were among those at the event.

Ramaphosa said he felt deeply enriched – spiritually and mentally – by his engagement with members of the Muslim community.

"The Muslim community in South Africa is known for their contribution to community upliftment, to helping the poor, and for working to overcome poverty, inequality, and under-development," he said.