Zuma addresses the Nation

By Cindy Witten
03 June 2009


Delivering his first State of the Nation Address at Parliament today, President Jacob Zuma appeared calm and confident at the podium.

As anticipated, Zuma prioritised the global financial crisis. Zuma says that even though South Africa is not as badly affected as other countries, the country is in a recession.
“The economic downturn will affect the pace at which our country is able to address the social and economic challenges it faces. But it will not alter the direction of our development,” said Zuma.

Zuma stressed his concern about the deterioration of quality health care in South Africa. Zuma says that steps need to be put in place to address this issue.
“We have set ourselves the goals of further reducing inequalities in health care provision, to boost human resource capacity, revitalise hospitals and clinics and step up the fight against the scourge of HIV and AIDS, TB and other diseases.”

Another one of government’s top priorities is education. Zuma stressed the importance of basic classroom etiquette from teachers as well as learners. He says that education is high on governments to do list.
“Education will be a key priority for the next five years. We want our teachers, learners and parents to work with government to turn our schools into thriving centres of excellence,” he said.