South African businessman and former trade union leader, Cyril Ramaphosa. He has been criticized for his role in the recent police killings at the Lonmin Marikana mining facilities., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.
Statement by ANC Deputy President on reaction to his comments in Limpopo
12 November 2013
ANC
ANC Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa says it is unfortunate that his use of the term `the boers` during a recent visit to Limpopo caused offence.
"It is unfortunate that my comments offended some people. They were never intended to be derogatory," he said.
"In my conversation with a Seshego resident, I warned of the danger of the country going backwards, and used a term that has commonly been used by black South Africans to refer to the erstwhile apartheid regime. It is a term that continues to be understood in that way.
"My comments were not meant to refer to a particular section of our population, and it is unfortunate if such an impression was created.
"If South Africa is indeed to move forward, all South Africans, regardless of language or background, need to work together as equal citizens. All South Africans need to exercise their vote next year to move the country forward."
Issued by:
Cyril Ramaphosa
Deputy President
African National Congress
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