The deputy president‚ Cyril Ramaphosa‚ has told parliament that negative perceptions of the country were wrong and ranged from “the exaggerated to the absurd“.

Calling on MPs to “look beyond the headlines“‚ Ramaphosa claimed: “South Africa is on an upward developmental trajectory. South Africa is on the move and it is moving forward. We are not on a slippery slope as some right-leaning people ... would have us believe“.

Ramaphosa listed improved education and service delivery as evidence that the “historical injustices” of apartheid had been addressed.

But‚ Ramaphosa added: “Despite the progress that we have made‚ many of our people do still live in poverty. We know that many of our people are without work‚ without water‚ without sanitation‚ without shelter“.

Ramaphosa praised President Jacob Zuma‚ saying: “We thank you for being steadfast in your resolve to lead our people despite those who would divert you” adding later on: “I appreciate your guidance and your wisdom in leading us“.