Zuma delivers his first State of the Nation Address

By Mandisi Tyulu
and Yamkela Xhaso
03 June 2009

During his State of the Nation address president Jacob Zuma laid down his five year plan as to how the government will deal with the issues facing South Africa.

Zuma urged all South Africans to get behind his administration in order to address the imbalance with in our society.

Zuma says although South Africa has not been severely affected by the economic melt down its impact was starting to show. There for we must find ways to respond to this crisis.

“We must act now and find ways to minimise this down turn for the most vulnerable.”


Zuma added that his administration will introduce a massive programme to build the economy, social infrastructure as well as strengthen the human resource and skills.


The second phase of the programme will include creating four million jobs by 2014 and between now and December about 500.000 job opportunities will be created, says Zuma.


The president also re-affirmed South Africa’s readiness to host the Confederation Cup and the 2010 Soccer World Cup.


President Zuma says the infrastructure investment that is going to be left by the 2010 World Cup will be a great legacy for generation to enjoy

Zuma says now is the time lets help each other and come together.

Most of the political parties say overall it was a good speech more of an idealist speech by the president as president Zuma was trying to reach out to South Africans.