Mbeki says SA should unite like never before

By Rhodé Marshall
08 February 2008

The annual well anticipated speech of President Thabo Mbeki was made on Friday. The President was welcomed by a cheering crowd while the procession made its way to the door of parliament to hear what he has to say.

Before the speech was made political parties and dignitaries made their way onto the red carpet all with high hopes of what the President should address in his speech.

Sandra Botha, Parliamentary leader for the Democratic Alliance said her expectations for Mbeki’s speech were not too great. “I do which that the President will give us hope and some assurance that people are going to take accountability for their actions.”

Independent Democrats leader Patricia De Lille said that she hoped the President will restore the confidence of the nation. "We hope he can put a plan forward to deal with job creation.”

In the speech made by the President, he mentioned that government is going to implement an Industrial Policy Action Plan which aims to create opportunities for growth and employment creation.

Mangosuthu Buthelezi leader of the IFP said after all the years he has been in politics it would be premature to comment on what the President should mention in his speech as the atmosphere among South Africans at the moment is not very high.

Addressing a swarm of media – President of the African Nation Congress Jacob Zuma said that he thinks the spirit of South Africans are high and that everyone was and should be willing to tackle problems.

A keen interest everyone had and what was mentioned most by Mbeki was the power crisis that has hit the country.

Mbeki referred to the disruption in the power supply as a ‘national emergency’ saying it presents an opportunity for the nation to unite in action. “Because it is a period of challenges it is also an era of opportunity.”

Referring to the prosecution of National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi and the suspension of NPA Director – Vusi Pikoli, the President said what would be of concern to some could be whether South Africa has the capacity to defend the democratic rights.