SONA criticised for lack of vision

By Kim Saulse
12 February 2010

The second State of the Nation Address delivered by President Jacob Zuma yesterday has been criticised for its lack of vision and commitment.

President Jacob Zuma declared that 2010 will be a year of change.

The President added that the defining feature of his administration will be that “it knows where, understands their needs and responds faster”.

The statement was met with a lack of support and confidence from opposition political parties.

The Democratic Alliance’s Atholl Trollip said the statement was devoid of credibility.

“It’s about as credible as Jacob Zuma saying that we have created jobs, when 800 000 jobs were lost.

“2009 was the real opportunity to show that the presidency would bring action. Jacob Zuma’s got a mixed message, there’s no substance to what he said, there’s no leadership,” said Trollip.

Police Minister Nathi Mthethewa promised that 2010 would be a year of continued action as his department tackles crime.

“We believe it will be a year of action. We believe in proper planning and action, and will heighten and strengthen our fight against crime,” said Mthethwa.

Meanwhile, the President was criticised for his weak stance on combating crime, in spite of his assurance that government is working hard to reduce serious and violent crimes.

Leader of the African Christian Democratic Party, Reverend Kenneth Moeshoe said crime was overlooked in the speech.

“He didn’t tell us how and what was going to be done to fight crime. We have heard many times in the past, Presidents inviting members of the public to help them fight crime. What more can the people on the ground do, when government has the resources? So just to say ‘help us’ is not enough,” said Rev Moeshoe.

Congress of the People parliamentary leader Mvume Dandala said he was disappointed with the address, citing “a lack of vision and compassion”.

“It was disappointing, it doesn’t feel like we’ve been told what the state of the nation is,” said Dandala.