PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa delivered his first State of the Nation Address (Sona) after the establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Against the backdrop of persistent service delivery challenges that have gripped South Africa in various areas of the country, the president outlined an ambitious medium-term strategy aimed at revitalising the nation’s fragmented service systems.
During his address, Ramaphosa highlighted three key areas of focus that the government intends to prioritise: inclusive economic growth, reduction of poverty, and building a capable state.
These objectives reflect a call for action amidst the increasing frustrations of citizens struggling with inadequate public services.
However, the president’s words of commitment to elevate South Africa’s service delivery standards juxtaposed sharply against the reality faced by many municipalities
He acknowledged that many municipalities lack technical skills and fail to invest their revenues accordingly adding that these would be strengthened to ensure improved service delivery and economic growth.
“Many municipalities have not invested their revenue into the upkeep of the infrastructure. Many of these challenges also arise in the design of our systems.
We will undertake to outline fit-for-purpose local government systems. We will also review the funding models of municipalities
“We will work with traditional leaders in the implementation of local programmes in ensuring that they continue their own work as our leaders of our people,”
Ramaphosa promised that the government will be setting up a R20 billion fund to empower small businesses in the country.
About the injustices of the past and how people of colour were denied opportunities to participate in the country’s economy, the president said that he hopes to undo the wrongs of the past that took place during the Apartheid regime.
He said that a R20bn fund will be set up to aid black owned small enterprises.
Ramaphosa said: “For many decades our economy has been held back by the exclusion of the vast majority of the South African people.
Black South Africans were deprived of land, of capital, of skills, of opportunities. Our economy was starved of the potential of its people.
And that is why we need to transform our economy and make it more inclusive.”He said the government will fast-track the regulations of the Public Procurement Act to ensure businesses owned by women, youth and persons with disabilities receive equitable opportunities in government contracts.
He also touched on delivering a country free of corruption.
“Last year, we established the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption as a permanent entity within the NPA dedicated to investigating and prosecuting high-level corruption cases,” he said.
“We will provide 300 000 serviced stands to qualifying beneficiaries to enable housing development in well-planned, connected communities along key development corridors.”
On South Africa hosting the G20 Summit this year, he said: “For the first time, the G20 is being hosted on the African continent following the admission of the African Union as a member.
“It is an opportunity to place the needs of Africa and the Global South more firmly on the international development agenda.
“Our G20 Presidency is a valuable opportunity for South Africa to advance efforts towards greater global economic growth and sustainable development.”
Ramaphosa began his address by recognising the soldiers who recently lost their lives during a peace-keeping mission in the DRC.
“We gather here as our country is mourning the tragic and devastating loss of 14 South African soldiers who were part of a mission to bring peace to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“They lost their lives in defence of the fundamental right of the Congolese people to live in peace and security.”
On the sidelines, Masizole Mnqasela, of the Alliance of Citizens for Change, urged Ramaphosa to be truthful to the nation during Sona.
Speaking outside the Cape Town City hall, Mnqasela, a former DA member, emphasised the importance of Ramaphosa working with facts rather than making false promises “as usual”.
He criticised Ramaphosa for prioritising his business interests, particularly in the mining sector, over the needs of the South African people.
“The president must stop telling lies to the people of South Africa and work with the facts…He must create jobs as he has spoken before.”
Mnqasela said the president should focus on creating jobs and addressing the country's socio-economic challenges.
He also highlighted the struggles faced by poor communities, particularly children, who are unable to play safely in the streets due to high crime rates.
DAILY NEWS