Opposition parties criticise State of the Nation Address

Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (Sona) in Parliament last Thursday, political opposition parties in Limpopo criticised his plan to address South Africa’s needs for the year ahead, claiming that a lot can be said but that the African National Congress (ANC) lacks implementation strategies.
They further alleged that the speech was to set the tone for branches of the ANC to make empty promises to campaign for votes ahead of the national general elections expected to be held on 8 May, as per Ramaphosa’s pronouncement. The Sona was delivered during a joint sitting of the two houses of Parliament being the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces under the theme “Following up on our commitments: making your future work better”.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) Provincial Leader, Jacques Smalle stated that there are bigger elephants in the room that need urgent attention such as the abandoned Giyani water project and housing backlog experienced in Limpopo. He further stated that a lot has been said but the ANC-led government lacks implementation strategies.
Congress of the People (Cope) Provincial Secretary Erick Mohlapamaswi emphasised that some of the highlights had been copied from the private sector and the party was worried that Ramaphosa failed to give credit to the relevant individuals or businesses. He went on to indicate that it is through education that South Africa can be economically and socially emancipated, adding that less was said in relation to education. Mohlapa-maswi touched on the issue of jobs saying citizens don’t want quality permanent jobs to provide for their families.
Renewed South African Party (RSA.P) national interim Leader Cornelis Roelofse said the real issues affecting the country such as Eskom, Bosasa and VBS Mutual Bank saga were addressed inadequately. He alleged that all the mess Ramaphosa is trying to clean was created by the ANC through looting and corruption.
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Provincial Chairperson Jossey Buthane could not be reached for comment by the time of going to print.
During his address, Ramaphosa highlighted the five tasks that would underpin everything government does this year. “Firstly, we must accelerate inclusive economic growth and create jobs. Secondly, our history demands that we should improve the education system and develop the skills that we need now and into the future. Thirdly, we are duty bound to improve the conditions of life for all South Africans, especially the poor. Fourthly, we have no choice but to step up the fight against corruption and state capture. Fifthly, we need to strengthen the capacity of the state to address the needs of the people,” Ramaphosa said.

Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za