Opposition parties reacts to SONA2025

Opposition parties have accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of recycling his State of the Nation Address (SONA)

Ramaphosa delivered the SONA in Cape Town on Thursday evening, where he announced - among other things - plans to rehabilitate the country's roads, tackling crime and unemployment, and boosting tourism.

"He is not the man that follows through what he committed at during the State of the Nation Address. He spoken about giving the disasters in KZN, R1 billion. Those houses are still not built. So, whatever 900 billion he is talking about you must know he is just passing time," said EFF leader Julius Malema.

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party's Nhlamulo Ndhlela also rejected the idea.

“Give me one infrastructure project that has actually had proper traction in this country that generates jobs, none. 62% of our youth are unemployed, yet he talks about a moving platform to youth that don't even have cell phones, let alone data to even access the job in the first place."

The National Coloured Congress says it was a copy and paste speech.

''Ramaphosa could have saved us money and just replay last year's SONA. It was a copy and paste job - it was terrible. The President gave us his shopping list or Christmas list and saying he wants this and that, but we know the country does not have money. It was very disappointing.''

Parties in the Government of National Unity (GNU) felt the SONA was a practical and clear statement to the nation.

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said any outstanding concerns around the NHI strategy will be addressed.  The Democratic Alliance, which has previously criticised the SONA for lacking substance, said its submissions were reflected in the final address.

GOOD Party’s Secretary-General Brett Herron, said  President Cyril Ramaphosa walked a coalition tightrope in his State of the Nation Address, balancing the urgent need to address abnormal rates of poverty and inequality with the needs of the business sector for a stable environment conducive to economic growth.

PICTURE - Bush Radio - GOOD Party's Patricia De Lille

Meanwhile, The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) says President Cyril Ramaphosa's address will only be meaningful if the budget backs its commitments.  The trade union federation's Matthew Parks warns that Ramaphosa's plans cannot be realised without adequate financial backing. He says they are pleased about the decision to retain the SRD Grant, but added that Ramaphosa lacked to mention plans for the Basic Income Grant.

 

Done By: Mitchum George