President Zuma’s SONA not received well by opposition parties

15 February 2013

Mluleki Mrwebi

 President Jacob Zuma’s State of the Nation Address on Thursday night was not received well by opposition parties.

The African National Congress Spokesperson Jackson Mthembu said government’s priority is job creation and the President’s speech outlined the plans in place to create jobs more especially for the youth.

Congress of South African Trade Unions Spokesperson Zwelinzima Vavi said the human infrastructure was the highlight of the speech but the biggest concern is the National Development Plan which is beginning to assume prominence as if it is some form of a new freedom charter.

President Jacob Zuma said the National Development Plan is a roadmap to a South Africa where all will have water, electricity, sanitation, jobs, housing, public transport, adequate nutrition, education, social protection, quality healthcare, recreation and a clean environment.

Democratic Alliance Leader Hellen Zille said the president addressed the right plans, jobs, education, health and rural development, but failed to be bold. Zille said they welcome the approach on reviewing the teacher salaries.

The Congress of the People says there is nothing new with what the president spoke about. Cope President Mosiuao Lekota said there are many things that are happening in the country and it is not enough to just condemn them.

United Democratic Movement Leader Bantu Holomisa said this is just a continuation of the speech that the president made during the opening of Parliament in 2012.