Fourways Chamber of Commerce and Industry not impressed by this year’s Sona

The Fourways Chamber of Commerce and Industry said it was not moved or convinced by the 2021 State of the Nation Address (Sona) recently delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa in parliament.

Ramaphosa delivered the address on 11 February which was focused on the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic and the revival of the economy.

The CEO of the local business network, Linda Blackbeard said it was through action not promises that the government could win the battle against the 30 per cent unemployment rate faced by the country.

“We were not greatly moved or inspired by the Sona delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa. There seems to be just another load of promises and no actual positive action which is becoming the alarming norm,” she said.

“Promises were previously made that R200 billion was availed to the banks as a loan guarantee scheme, of which only R17 billion had been disbursed to small businesses. Our opinion is that the government needs to reconsider this to be a relief grant and not a loan, as business and communities have suffered greatly due to the pandemic.”

Blackbeard added that the president failed to address problems at the power utility, Eskom which played a crucial role in the economy.

“Eskom’s blackouts continues to effect all business. Last year our president made a promise pertaining to the power problems. He said that they were going to bring in independent power producers as part of the solution to this problem and to date, not even a single megawatt is active, as per the so called promises. Promises do not create employment or feed a hungry nation but action does.”

Related Article: 

https://www.citizen.co.za/fourways-review/367362/adjustment-budget-set-to-boost-local-economy-approved-by-coj/