South Africa congratulates South Sudan on 6th independence anniversary

File photo: South Sudan President Salva Kiir (L) meets with South African Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa at State house in Juba on June 2, 2015. (AFP)

South Africa’s Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has, in his capacity as Special Envoy to South Sudan, congratulated the government and people of South Sudan on the sixth independence anniversary on Sunday.

South Africa’s Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has, in his capacity as Special Envoy to South Sudan, congratulated the government and people of South Sudan on the sixth independence anniversary on Sunday.

Ramaphosa said in a statement issued by South Africa’s presidency on Sunday that South Sudan's national day presented an opportunity to the country's leadership and citizens to reflect on the unity and vision for a peaceful and prosperous South Sudan that led to the achievement of independence six years ago.

“Deputy President Ramaphosa has commended President Kiir and the people of South Sudan on the launch of the National Dialogue which is aimed at uniting and reconciling the people of South Sudan following the devastating conflict they have experienced and continue to go through,” the Presidency said.

Ramaphosa appreciated the strategic intention of the national dialogue steering committee, which met him in Johannesburg on 1 July, to ensure the inclusivity of the dialogue.

He assured the committee members of South Africa's support by sharing experiences from South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Ramaphosa expressed the wish that the national dialogue would yield positive outcomes.